hVIVO completes pilot study for hMPV challenge model

(Sharecast News) - Contract research organisation and human challenge trial specialist hVIVO announced the successful completion of a pilot characterisation study for its human metapneumovirus (hMPV) challenge model on Monday. The AIM-traded firm described it as a significant milestone in supporting the development of vaccines and antivirals for hMPV, an area of unmet medical need.

It said the study, conducted at its quarantine facility in Canary Wharf, demonstrated strong infectivity and symptomatic disease in healthy volunteers, confirming the model's viability.

The results would establish proof-of-concept for future human challenge trials using the hMPV strain A2 challenge agent.

hVIVO said it was now marketing the hMPV challenge model, and was planning to complete the full characterisation study in partnership with industry collaborators.

"The pilot hMPV characterisation study in healthy volunteers was designed to test the feasibility of this new model and has been very successful, producing good infectivity rates and clear disease symptoms," said chief scientific officer Dr Andrew Catchpole.

"Like the hVIVO RSV models, I am confident our hMPV model can play a crucial role in speeding up the development of a first vaccine or antiviral for this global pathogen, which is currently causing particular concern in China where a surge in cases has been recorded."

At 1419 GMT, shares in hVIVO were down 34.31% at 17.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.