We are hVIVO a rapidly growing specialist contract research organisation (CRO) and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and antivirals using human challenge clinical trials. We provide end-to-end early clinical development services for our broad and long-standing client base of global biopharma companies.
We have an extensive history in conducting & running human challenge trials, which has contributed to our position as world leaders in human challenge research and execution.
In 2011, we opened our laboratory, screening and 24-bedroom quarantine facilities to Queen Mary BioEnterprises in Whitechapel, London. In 2021, our quarantine facilities expanded to a hotel located in Whitechapel (the Whitechapel Clinic), offering volunteers a state-of-the-art clinical trial experience. Since then, we have expanded our facilities further, moving our corporate offices to Plumbers Row, offering an expansion to our laboratory facilities and opened additional screening clinics in both London and Manchester.
Our services are provided and tailored for both pharmaceutical and biotech companies, utilising a range of different human challenge models and laboratory methodologies Our extensive experience, collected over 25 years of conducting challenge studies, ensures effective study design and excellent service for customers.
We have a leading portfolio of 11+ challenge study models which include various strains of: Influenza A & B, RSV, HRV, Asthma, Cough, COPD, COVID-19, hMPV & Malaria.
We offer laboratory services through our hLAB unit, based in Whitechapel, London. Our hLab is a highly specialised virology and immunology laboratory offering a suite of services to support pre-clinical and clinical respiratory drug and vaccine discovery & development.
Reliable laboratory analysis underpinned by scientific expertise is essential when processing and analysing clinical samples. Robust quality processes support our team of scientists in the delivery of submission ready data.
Challenge Study Models
Years of Combined Service
Number of Studies Completed
Overall fast replies and efficient feedback on questions & inquires
Congratulations Team!! Well done and thank you all for your incredible efforts
A big Thank You to you and the hVIVO team for all your hard work on this study despite highly difficult conditions through pandemic and very ambitious timelines.
Overall fast replies and efficient feedback on questions & inquires
Collaborative and responsive during contract negotiations with contract put in place in a short period of time
Interesting learning on the use of generic screening process
Fast and efficient support in the review of the study documents of the study
Valuable scientific input and support from clinician
Overall efficient, clear and professional communications and project management
Experienced and engaged team with expertise in human challenge studies
One of our distinct advantages in our human challenge trial research is access to healthy volunteers , which are recruited through our volunteer recruitment arm, FluCamp.
FluCamp welcomes volunteers take part in our human challenge trials under expertly supervised conditions, to further medical research and help take the understanding of respiratory, viral, and other infectious diseases to a new level.
In January 2020, hVIVO merged with Open Orphan plc, a rapidly growing niche CRO pharmaceutical services company.
On 26 October 2022, Open Orphan plc changed its name to hVIVO plc to maximise its brand recognition as the world leader in human challenge trials. hVIVO is now the parent company of Venn Life Sciences, an integrated drug development consultancy, which offers CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls), preclinical, Phase I & II clinical trials design and execution. Together the companies offer a full service solution, from consultancy and drug development, to running the human challenge model.
Building on decades of unrivalled experience, we provide world class expertise and capabilities in challenge agent manufacture, a unique portfolio of established human challenge models to test a broad range of infectious and respiratory disease products, and specialist drug development and clinical consultancy services.
Venn Life Sciences is an Integrated Drug Development partner offering a unique combination of drug development consultancy, clinical trial design and execution.
FluCamp welcome volunteers to take part in our clinical trials under expertly supervised conditions.
We formed a Joint Venture in 2016 with PepTcell Limited called Imutex Limited, with hVIVO owning 49%, to develop vaccines against influenza (flu) and mosquito borne diseases such as Zika, Malaria and other flaviviruses.
We have an extensive history, that dates back to the UK Common Cold Unit in Salisbury which ran human challenge studies from 1946 until 1989. The facility was a former military hospital that was donated by Harvard University and began human challenge studies to try to find a cure for influenza.
Our company's founders, Professor John Oxford and Pat Meeking, worked at the Common Cold Unit alongside Dr David Tyrell, and after it closed, went on to setup Retroscreen Virology Limited out of Queens Mary University in 1989.
Retroscreen, renamed hVIVO in 2015 as part of its IPO on the London Stock Exchange, continues its challenge study work right up to the present day. We are now the world leader in providing human challenge studies to test infectious and respiratory product and we have the widest portfolio of challenge models available in influenza (A & B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), asthma, COPD, cough, malaria, COVID-19 and most recently hMPV. A number of the same techniques used at the Common Cold Unit are still used by us today, though needless to say they have modernised.
At hVIVO, we understand the vital role we play in making infectious and respiratory disease products available to patients faster than otherwise possible, using human challenge trials. With origins dating back to 1947, hVIVO has a long history of scientific research and discovery which has helped to advance global health.
Our most valuable asset is our team, and we strive to promote a diversified and welcoming environment which allows our team to thrive. We are committed to ethical and compliant business practices, from the execution of our clinical trials to our interactions with our volunteers, clients, sponsors, vendors, and investors.
We understand our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment whenever possible, we strive to minimise our carbon footprint through energy efficiencies, local and sustainable suppliers, and waste reduction.
