Respiratory pathogens, including Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), remain a serious global health issue, responsible for a substantial number of acute respiratory infections as well as high morbidity and mortality rates. Human challenge studies have long been an essential tool in the development of vaccines and treatments for these respiratory viruses, and their role continues to grow in importance. The recent opening of hVIVO’s new facility in Canary Wharf, London, marks a significant advancement in the field, with the largest commercial Phase II human challenge trial facility designed to accelerate the development and approval of novel vaccines and treatments. This facility addresses the ongoing demand for interventions to mitigate the impact of respiratory diseases.
The Canary Wharf location includes an advanced quarantine unit, featuring a 50-bed space on a single floor. Each room is designed with HEPA filtration and negative pressure, allowing it to handle both hazard group 2 pathogens (such as Influenza, RSV, and human rhinovirus) and hazard group 3 pathogens (including SARS-CoV-2, Malaria, and Flaviviruses like Dengue and Zika). The facility’s transmission study capabilities enable independent air controls and large communal rooms for infected and in-contact transmission studies. These advanced settings allow for the evaluation of vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing transmission under controlled conditions, advancing research that directly supports public health outcomes.
The site also houses on-site BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, specifically designed to handle high-risk pathogens and equipped to support virology clinical trials at the highest standards. With a spacious 580 square metre footprint, the labs provide extensive assay processing capabilities that enable the rapid delivery of clinical trial data. In fact, more than 80,000 samples per year can be processed without requiring complex logistics, helping maintain the continuity of trials while preserving sample viability. The laboratory facilities meet GCLP, CAP accreditation, and FLUCOP quality standards, ensuring compliance with clinical trial data requirements. The BSL-3 lab is fully equipped for HG3 pathogen analysis, with specialised structures and access controls that comply with Schedule 5 of the United Kingdom’s Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. To ensure fast and effective handling, the facility uses a pneumatic chute system, delivering samples from quarantine directly to the lab in approximately 30 seconds, preserving sample viability and facilitating rapid assessment of study efficacy.
hVIVO’s Canary Wharf facility is a key addition to the field of respiratory pathogen research, providing essential infrastructure for advancing vaccine and treatment options. Through a combination of cutting-edge quarantine and laboratory capabilities, this facility is positioned to expedite the approval of much-needed respiratory health interventions.
hVIVO plc (formerly Open Orphan plc), led by Cathal Friel, is a rapidly growing specialist contract research organisation (CRO) and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and antivirals using human challenge clinical trials, providing end-to-end early clinical development services for its broad and long-standing client base of biopharma companies.
