hVIVO (HVO) has secured a consultancy contract with Decoy Therapeutics to support the development of its next-generation respiratory antiviral candidates, expanding the use of hVIVO's scientific, regulatory and clinical development expertise beyond its core human challenge trial services.
The agreement will see hVIVO provide consultancy services across translational modelling, regulatory strategy, scientific advice preparation, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), non-clinical development support and the preparation of documentation required for clinical trial submissions in the UK and Europe.
Decoy is developing a portfolio of Designable Multi-Antiviral (D-MAV) candidates, a new class of antivirals designed to target shared mechanisms across multiple respiratory viruses through a single adaptable therapeutic platform.
hVIVO will support Decoy's interactions with both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The programme is intended to help advance Decoy's clinical development plans, including first-in-human dose selection, translational pharmacology planning and preparation for future clinical studies.
Subject to future financing and successful programme progression, Decoy intends to use hVIVO for early proof-of-concept and follow-on studies, reflecting the company's established track record in human challenge trials.
hVIVO’s Chief Executive Officer Yamin 'Mo' Khan said: "This contract highlights the breadth of expertise available through hVIVO's integrated platform, supporting clients from preclinical and regulatory strategy through to clinical development and proof-of-concept studies."
"Increasingly, biotechnology companies are seeking specialist partners that can provide scientific, regulatory and clinical development expertise under one roof, helping them navigate the complex pathway to the clinic more efficiently. We look forward to supporting Decoy as it advances its lead programmes and prepares for future clinical development milestones."
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This contract highlights hVIVO's growing ability to generate revenue from its broader clinical development platform, not just its human challenge trial capabilities. While consultancy agreements are typically smaller than full clinical study contracts, the deal strengthens the relationship with an emerging biotech client and could create opportunities for higher-value Phase I and proof-of-concept studies as Decoy's programmes progress.