Open Orphan plc (LON:ORPH), a rapidly growing specialist CRO pharmaceutical services company which is the world leader in the testing of vaccines and antivirals using human challenge clinical trials, has noted the recent share price movement and press speculation regarding UK government-funded Coronavirus human challenge studies.
The Company confirms that it is in advanced negotiation with the UK Government and other partners for a Coronavirus challenge study in the UK. While negotiations continue, it is expected that in the event that a contract is agreed revenue will be in excess of £7 million, being the approximate anticipated revenue for a Coronavirus challenge study as indicated by the Company on 22 May 2020. However, there can be no certainty that these discussions will lead to a new contract until final negotiations are concluded. The Company will update the market in due course as appropriate.
Further to its announcements of 9 March 2020 and 22 May 2020 regarding the development by the Company of a Coronavirus challenge study model the Company remains in ongoing discussions with potential vaccine developers regarding Coronavirus challenge studies.
