hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO), the human challenge trials specialist, has secured a £2 million contract with a new biopharmaceutical client.
The deal funds the final phase of its human metapneumovirus (hMPV) characterisation study, paving the way for future human challenge trials (HCTs).
The pilot trial, completed in January, demonstrated a safe, measurable, and reproducible disease model in healthy volunteers.
It confirmed strong infection and symptomatic response rates while validating the optimal dose of the challenge agent. This next phase will expand the dataset, enrolling more volunteers to strengthen the model and ensure robust trial powering.
The study is set to begin in H1 2025, with revenue recognised within the year. Pending successful completion and regulatory approvals, hVIVO expects to launch full hMPV HCTs in the second half of the year.
"This [deal] underscores the significant value HCTs can bring in providing rapid, high-quality efficacy data to support vaccine and therapeutic development.
"hMPV currently has no approved vaccine or therapeutic on the market, and hVIVO is proud to lead the charge in helping our client bring medicines to patients," said hVIVO chief executive Mo Khan.
Today's is the latest in a series of new business wins that underscore confidence in the outlook for this year and beyond.
The company’s trials help biopharma firms generate fast, cost-effective efficacy data, supporting regulatory approvals, product acquisitions, and market acceleration.