hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) chief scientific officer Dr Andrew Catchpole talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s recent success in developing a human challenge model for human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Catchpole highlighted the pilot characterisation study, which showed clear viral infection curves, strong symptom visibility, and ensured safety for volunteers.
He explained that hMPV, a significant respiratory pathogen affecting young children and the elderly, shares similarities with influenza and RSV. With this new challenge model, hVIVO now offers a powerful tool for fast-tracking the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies for hMPV. Catchpole said: “Human challenge trials are the fastest way to get efficacy data... you just can’t do this in field trials.”
Moreover, he discussed encouraging progress in hMPV vaccine research, building on RSV-related breakthroughs. The data from this study will also be presented at an upcoming RSV conference in Brazil, shedding light on immune responses and potential treatment paths.
