hVIVO (AIM: HVO) has signed a clinical trial agreement with Nasdaq-listed Traws Pharma to conduct a human challenge trial testing a novel influenza antiviral, in a deal that underscores continued commercial momentum for the Canary Wharf-based specialist.
TXM is an investigational oral, single-dose antiviral being developed to treat seasonal influenza and bird flu. The randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial will assess the drug’s safety, tolerability and effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of influenza in healthy adults.
The study will take place at hVIVO’s specialist quarantine facilities in Canary Wharf, with approximately 150 participants recruited through the company’s FluCamp arm. All associated laboratory work will be conducted by hVIVO’s in-house virology laboratory.
The trial is expected to commence in the first half of 2026, with the majority of revenue recognised this year.
Iain D. Dukes, Chief Executive Officer of Traws Pharma, said: “This agreement represents an important step forward for Traws as we advance our programme and seek to generate high‑quality, efficacy clinical data efficiently. Partnering with hVIVO enables us to leverage a proven human challenge platform to support our development strategy and accelerate progress towards our next value‑inflection point.”
Seasonal influenza is responsible for an estimated one billion cases annually, with 3–5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year.
hVIVO has inoculated more than 5,000 participants across 2,477 influenza, RSV and other viral human challenge trials to date.
The company also announced a corporate rebranding on Tuesday, which will see all operating companies trade under the hVivo brand.