Open Orphan plc changed its name to hVIVO plc on 26 October 2022, learn more here.
Seasonal influenza (“flu”) causes significant morbidity and mortality each year and a pandemic influenza continues to pose a worldwide threat. Government health agencies and a large number of academic, public and private organisations and consortiums are encouraging the development of universal / broad spectrum flu vaccines.
Novel correlates of protection are being explored, with humoral and cellular immune responses now more than ever at the forefront of vaccine research. The controlled human model of infection with contemporaneous wild-type influenza viral strains will play a unvaluable role in this development process and the rapid validation of new vaccine candidates.
Proven flu disease models
We have been studying influenza for over 20 years,conducting influenza human challenge studies with our flu disease models for more than 15 years.
We have delivered numerous flu challenge studies for a range of industry, governmental and academic partners, making our tool the most well-used commercial flu disease models available on the market.
As the industry leader in conducting human viral challenge studies, our team has developed a large Virobase, of clinical data paired with virological, host genetics and immunology data, combined with an extensive biorepository of blood and respiratory samples. This “Virometrics” resource, in conjunction with our unique insight into the host response to viral disease, allows us to tailor study designs to each Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP).
Demonstrating efficacy of novel vaccines in the field is time-consuming, costly and associated with risk
Establishing efficacy of antivirals in early clinical trials is challenging
Clinical proof of concept and dosing finding delivered in a controlled setting
Demonstrating clinical efficacy in early-stage field trials is challenging
Clinical proof-of concept and dosing finding delivered in a controlled setting
Reduced costs as the model requires only a small number of subjects investigated over a shorter period of time to deliver an efficacy outcome
Study management
Deliver quality results (GCLP)
Meeting client needs and timelines
Trials conducted using controlled settings and processes
Bespoke quarantine unit in Whitechapel, London for conducting challenge studies:
62 en-suite rooms
Well characterised challenge virus (GMP)
Exact exposure time to virus
Controlled dose of virus administrated
Quarantine discharge and follow up
Standard 28 days can be up to 1 year
Immunogenicity (e.g. PBMC)
Seroconversion and mucosal immunoglobulins