hVIVO (AIM:HVO) signed a consultancy contract with Decoy Therapeutics to support development of its Designable Multi‑Antiviral (D‑MAV) respiratory candidates, including preparation for first‑in‑human and proof‑of‑concept studies.
The agreement tasks hVIVO with translational modelling, regulatory strategy, scientific advice preparation, CMC consulting, non‑clinical development support and preparation of clinical and regulatory documentation for UK and European trial submissions, and it includes support for interactions with the EMA and MHRA.
hVIVO, clinical development partner and human challenge trials operator, will bring its integrated Consulting, Clinical Trials, Human Challenge Trials and Laboratories platform to the engagement.
Decoy Therapeutics, which is developing peptide‑based D‑MAVs on its IMP³ACT AI‑assisted design and rapid synthesis platform to target shared mechanisms across multiple respiratory viruses, is using the programme to inform first‑in‑human dose selection and translational pharmacology planning.
Subject to securing future financing and successful programme progression, Decoy intends to conduct early proof‑of‑concept and likely follow‑on studies with hVIVO, potentially leveraging hVIVO’s human challenge capabilities.
"Our objective is a 'one drug, many viruses, many people' approach," said Rick Pierce, Chief Executive Officer of Decoy Therapeutics.
hVIVO described the contract as highlighting the breadth of expertise available through its integrated platform to guide clients from preclinical and regulatory strategy through to clinical development and proof‑of‑concept studies.
