Open Orphan PLC (AIM:ORPH, OTC:OPORF) said its hVIVO subsidiary won its third significant deal in under a month as it announced a £7.2mln human challenge contract with an unnamed ‘top five’ global pharma group.
The clinical research group will test the pharma's orally administered antiviral product, using hVIVO's respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Human Challenge Study Model.
The Phase 2a double-blinded placebo-controlled human challenge study will take place at the company's specialist quarantine facilities in Whitechapel and will evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of the antiviral against RSV.
RSV causes around 100,00 deaths a year in under-fives.
Work will begin this month with revenue from the transaction recognised this year and next.
Chief executive Mo Khan said: “I am especially proud that our world-class offering and customer service has secured repeat business from another big pharma client, and that we are seen as the 'go-to' partner for an increasing number of global drug developers.
“The client's drug has already been shown to be an effective antiviral in certain disease indications, and we're pleased to now test its efficacy against RSV infection.”
Including Tuesday’s contract, hVIVO has landed deals worth £29.2mln since May 18.