hVIVO’s peer reviewed COVID-19 results published in Nature Medicine
The results from the world’s first COVID-19 characterisation study conducted by hVIVO, a subsidiary of the specialist contract research organisation (ORPH ), with Imperial College London, have been peer reviewed and published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.
The study, which was funded by the UK Vaccine Taskforce and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with Imperial College London as the UK government’s study sponsor, took place at the National Infectious Disease Facility at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
hVIVO clinicians closely monitored volunteers in a controlled quarantined setting and collected disease progression data to provide insights into COVID-19 infection.
As part of the study, researchers aimed to identify a dose of COVID-19 that caused a safe and reliable infection in unvaccinated volunteers with no prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study showed that the SARS-CoV-2 human challenge was safe in healthy young adults.
Following the study, Open Orphan said the data supported the safety of the infection challenge model which could theoretically provide a ‘plug and play’ platform for testing therapies and vaccines using the original COVID-19 strain as well as variants of the virus.
It further highlighted that the results of the characterisation study, as well as the detailed insights they provide into COVID-19 infection, have “potential implications” for public health.
The results of the study were previously published on Research Square whilst the peer review process was concluding. They are now published in the scientific journal, Nature Medicine.
Open Open believes the publication of the results reinforces its reputation “as the world leader in these types of studies as well as building our brand recognition in the scientific community.”
The company also acknowledges that human challenge studies will be the fastest way to compare old and new vaccines as outbreaks continue and vaccines undergo adjustments.
With the characterisation study disease modelling data completed, and a COVID-19 Human Challenge Model now established, Open Orphan should be able to contract / conduct COVID-19 human challenge studies in 2022, subject to ethics and regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the study and its results, Dr Andrew Catchpole, Co-investigator on the study and Chief Scientific Officer of hVIVO, told investors: “The SARS-CoV-2 characterisation study has provided invaluable insights into the progression of COVID-19 infection in healthy young adults. We are delighted to see the peer reviewed results published in Nature Medicine, which is one of the most influential and highly-cited medical research journals, and is an indication of how important the study was in helping deepen our understanding of SARS-CoV-2.”
Also commenting, Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Open Orphan, added: “I am pleased to see the characterisation study paper successfully complete the peer review process and be published in such a prestigious journal. Looking forward to the rest of the year, the COVID-19 human challenge model has the potential to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. We look forward to updating the market in due course.”
Follow News & Updates from :
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest
The information, investment views and recommendations in this article are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engaging in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the writer but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. Vox Markets may receive payment from companies mentioned for enhanced profiling or publication presence. The writer may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.