Open Orphan subsidiary wins $13.4m contract with US biotech company

Executive chairman Cathal Friel said Hvivo expects to sign a number of similar contracts

Hvivo, a subsidiary of Dublin-listed Open Orphan has won a $13.4 million (€11.8 million) contract with a leading US biotech company.

The contract will see the unnamed company testing its novel antiviral candidate using the Hvivo influenza human challenge study model.

The study is expected to commence in the first half of 2022 and will be conducted at Hvivo’s quarantine facilities in London. The company expect the majority of revenues arising from the deal to be recognised next year.

Open Orphan executive chairman Cathal Friel said Hvivo expects to sign a number of contracts in the same area with other clients.

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“We are delighted to announce this significant challenge study contract valued at over £10m, with a US-based biotechnology client testing its highly promising influenza antiviral candidate,” he said.

“This contract demonstrates the company’s continued ability to convert its leading portfolio of challenge study models into substantial contracts, with signed contracts across a number of our challenge study models including RSV, asthma, hRV, and flu in the clinic next year,” he added.

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor is a former Irish Times business journalist