hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) has revealed successful early data on three new virus challenge models, including a first-of-its-kind human metapneumovirus (hMPV) model, aimed at speeding up the development of vaccines and treatments.
The company, a specialist in human challenge clinical trials, presented its findings at two high-profile scientific meetings last month, the 10th European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) Conference in Valencia and the World Vaccine Congress Europe in Amsterdam.
Designed to simulate infections under tightly controlled conditions, the models include new strains for hMPV, respiratory syncytial virus B (RSV B), and the Omicron BA.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Each model has shown strong infection rates and clear symptoms, suggesting they are viable tools for testing vaccines and treatments. Safety and tolerability were also confirmed, according to the data.
Dr Andrew Catchpole, chief scientific officer at hVIVO, said the results “validate our unmatched expertise in designing and delivering new challenge models” and reflect the firm's role in helping the biopharmaceutical sector respond to evolving infectious threats.
Human challenge trials, which involve intentionally infecting volunteers in a controlled setting, allow researchers to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments more quickly than in standard trials.
They are especially useful for emerging or seasonal respiratory viruses where rapid testing is essential.
The hMPV model, based on a contemporary 2a strain of the common respiratory tract infection, was benchmarked against the firm's well-established RSV A model.
According to Dr Alexander Lima, who presented the findings, it showed high infection and symptom rates, with strong virological performance using standard PCR testing. It is now available for commercial trials of vaccines and antivirals targeting hMPV.
Meanwhile, the new Omicron BA.5 model – the first of its kind on the market – was tested in volunteers who had been previously vaccinated and were already carrying some antibodies.
It performed well in this group, making it suitable for both treatment and post-exposure prophylactic studies, said Alex Mann, Senior Director of Clinical Science at hVIVO.
The RSV B model, unveiled at the Amsterdam event, also reported high infection rates and is now being positioned as part of a broader testing platform for next-generation combination vaccines targeting RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus (PIV).
These advances come as interest grows in combination vaccines and in testing under real-world conditions, particularly for respiratory diseases that affect vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
hVIVO is inviting companies developing vaccines or antiviral drugs to get in touch to explore using these new models in upcoming trials.
The shares rose 3% to 6.51p. Cavendish thinks they are worth 16.5p.
In a note, the broker said: "hVIVO is uniquely positioned in its ability to create and develop new challenge models and we believe the company received significant inbound interest at the meetings, especially on hMPV, a pathogen that gained widespread media attention towards the end of last year."
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