hVIVO PLC (AIM: HVO) said it has successfully conducted a human challenge study in older people for the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
Challenge studies involve intentionally but safely infecting healthy people in a controlled environment to assess their response to certain drugs. hVIVO recruited a group of 60 to 75-year-olds, who were monitored at the company’s special facility in London.
Researchers established the firm’s RSV challenge model could be conducted safely in an older population.
The process was specifically designed to provide the drug developers with an early clinical proof-of-concept platform to safely evaluate potential treatments in this vulnerable population, hVIVO said.
“The company's contract pipeline is experiencing strong demand for RSV challenge study services and we anticipate this demand will continue reflective of the unmet medical need that companies are addressing," said chief executive, Dr Trevor Phillips.
Developing in late autumn through to early spring, RSV causes cold, which may then turn into bronchiolitis or pneumonia.