Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

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.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Sound Energy JV completes Morocco screening study
(Sharecast News) - Sound Energy announced the successful completion of a regional screening study in Morocco on Tuesday, that identified multiple high-potential areas for natural hydrogen and helium exploration.
Pulsar Helium to start clean-up and testing at Jetstream wells
(Sharecast News) - Pulsar Helium announced on Tuesday that well clean-up and flow testing at its Jetstream 1 and 2 wells at the Topaz Project in northern Minnesota would start in mid-July, with conclusion expected in early August.
Celsius receives first loan drawdown from MIC funding deal
(Sharecast News) - Celsius Resources announced on Tuesday that it has received the first loan drawdown from its funding agreement with Mahalika Investment Corporation (MIC), marking a key milestone in the development of its flagship Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) copper-gold project in the Philippines.
Karelian identifies significant new copper target
(Sharecast News) - Karelian Diamond Resources announced the identification of a significant new copper exploration target at the site of the historic Cappagh Copper Mine on Tuesday, within its recently-awarded KDR4 licence area in Northern Ireland.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.