hLAB, part of the hVIVO group, is proud to launch its new specialist bacteriology laboratory. Situated within the group’s flagship quarantine site in Canary Wharf, London, the new facility intends to provide standalone microbiology laboratory services to support a wide range of clinical trial services. It also marks a significant step forward in hVIVO’s strategy to broaden its full-service offering beyond virology and into bacterial studies. With this expansion, hVIVO strengthens its position as a leading contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in infectious diseases.
hVIVO has built its reputation on the successful delivery of complex, high-quality virology trials for over two decades. Its work with influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses has led to partnerships with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the world. The launch of the bacteriology lab is a natural progression of this expertise, allowing hVIVO to apply its deep understanding of controlled quarantine environments, rigorous laboratory procedures, and clinical trial execution to a broader range of infectious disease studies.
The opening of the new bacteriology lab comes at a time of growing global urgency, with antibiotic resistance continuing to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, contributing to millions of deaths annually. At the same time, the impact of climate change is shifting the epidemiology of bacterial infections, making the need for agile and responsive clinical research even more pressing. However, there have also been recent promising advances in the development of next-generation antibiotics.
hVIVO is stepping into this landscape with a commitment to scientific excellence and flexibility. The new lab enables rapid setup and delivery of microbiological analyses, tailored to each client's needs while adhering to ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The facility has been designed to support high-throughput processing of samples, offering end-to-end lab support for bacterial challenge studies and other microbiology-based research. With in-house subject matter experts across the full clinical trial process and newly increased site capacity in the UK and EU, hVIVO is well-placed to plan and execute studies investigating antibiotics.
The bacteriology laboratory has been built in a brand new, dedicated space, where bacterial samples can be cultured and analysed in a safe and controlled environment. All equipment has been validated to ensure reliable and reproducible results. The lab is certified to work with bacterial pathogens up to biosafety level 2 (BSL2) and can work with multiple pathogens concurrently. Dedicated equipment and areas will be used for each strain under investigation to minimise the risk of cross-contamination to provide accurate and efficient quantification, allowing the lab to manage the high volumes of samples needed in clinical research.
hLAB has extensive experience in tech transfer (i.e., integrating external analytical methodologies into its systems and ensuring compliance with GCP), developed through years of adapting external virology methodologies. The team can quickly procure, install, and validate new equipment and technology, develop and adhere to standard operating procedures, all while maintaining confidentiality for any proprietary information. The hVIVO group is proficient in running Phase 1 to 3 trials, working with both big and small pharmaceutical and biotech companies and have the agility to adapt to the ever-changing demands of clinical trials and working to challenging timelines.
One of the key differentiators of hLAB is its integration within the broader hVIVO group. This will allow the lab team to work closely with colleagues in regulatory affairs, clinical operations, project management, and quality assurance. With in-house subject matter experts across every aspect of the clinical trial lifecycle, from trial feasibility to execution and post-study analysis, hVIVO offers a cohesive and collaborative environment for clients. This cross-functional integration not only enhances efficiency but also supports faster decision-making and smoother study delivery.
Looking ahead, the bacteriology lab will support a range of studies, from proof-of-concept work and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to full-scale human challenge trials involving bacterial pathogens. As sponsors continue to seek high-quality partners for antibiotic development, hVIVO is ready to meet the challenge with infrastructure, expertise, and a dedication to innovation.
This expansion reflects more than just growth—it represents hVIVO’s ongoing mission to advance clinical research in infectious diseases, improve public health, and support the development of new therapeutics in a rapidly changing world. Whether working on a novel antibiotic compound or evaluating the safety of existing therapies, clients will benefit from hVIVO’s commitment to scientific rigour, operational excellence, and patient safety.
If you're looking for a trusted partner to support your next bacterial study, get in touch with the hLAB team today. Together, we can accelerate the development of the next generation of infectious disease treatments.
Learn more about our Bacterial Lab and Microbiology services here
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