Open Orphan PLC (AIM:ORPH, OTC:OPORF) has been appointed by an unnamed existing "big pharma" client to host a phase II field study of a potential vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Chief executive Yamin 'Mo' Khan said the deal was important as it represented the first time the group has been charged with carrying out a full-scale evaluation of this kind.
“To date, we have mainly acted as a contract research organisation to provide either challenge studies, laboratory or consulting services,” he explained.
“Although we have acted as a site as part of the challenge studies, we have not provided stand-alone site services.”
It follows the expansion of the facility at Plumber’s Row in London’s East End run by Open Orphan’s subsidiary, hVIVO.
No financial details were provided, though the majority of revenues accruing will be recognised in next year’s accounts, investors were told.
They also heard that 60 healthy volunteers will be recruited to the programme and inoculated with either the RSV vaccine candidate or a placebo.
Rather than being quarantined, as would be the case with a traditional human challenge study, participants will be allowed to leave the facility and will be monitored via regular check-ups to assess efficacy.
Work is expected to kick off in the third quarter of this year.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.