Open Orphan PLC (AIM:ORPH, FRA:CRO) has hailed the positive results from a phase II respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) human challenge study conducted by its hVIVO arm.
Data released by Barvarian Nordic (OMX:BAVA) showed a significant reduction in viral load in those people vaccinated with its treatment.
No serious adverse events were observed and the jab was well tolerated, consistent with the safety profile previously reported.
"We are delighted to see the positive results emerge from this RSV human challenge study with Bavarian Nordic for its RSV vaccine candidate, which was run by hVIVO,” said Open Orphan chairman Cathal Friel.
“This study illustrates the company's diverse offering across the infectious disease market.”
In all 61 volunteers took part in the clinical evaluation at the hVIVO facility in London with half receiving the drug to combat the RSV type A strain, with the remainder given a placebo with no medical benefit.
RSV is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and other life-threatening breathing difficulties.
"We are the only company in the world that is currently equipped to run RSV challenge studies, which forms part of our wider portfolio of respiratory and infectious disease challenge trials,” said chairman Friel.
“With the global infectious disease market expected to reach a value of $250bn by 2025, we are already seeing a huge increase in interest across the entire pharmaceutical and biotech space in these previously underserved infectious disease areas.
“We look forward to offering our industry-leading services to help novel therapeutics and vaccines progress through clinical development."