hVIVO #HVO – Consultancy contract signed with Decoy Therapeutics to support development of respiratory antiviral candidates June 1, 2026 – Posted in: hVIVO (HVO) – Tags: decoy therapeutics, hVIVO, HVO, rick pierce, Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan

London, UK – 1 June 2026, hVIVO plc (AIM: HVO), a purpose-built, full-service international clinical development partner and the world leader in human challenge trials, announces it has signed a consultancy contract with Decoy Therapeutics (“Decoy”) to support the development of its respiratory antiviral candidates.

Decoy is developing a portfolio of Designable Multi-Antiviral (D-MAV) candidates, a new antiviral category designed to address multiple viruses by targeting shared viral mechanisms across multiple respiratory viruses using a single adaptable therapeutic approach.

Under the agreement, hVIVO will provide consultancy services spanning translational modelling, regulatory strategy, scientific advice preparation, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) consulting, non-clinical development support and preparation of key clinical and regulatory documentation required for European and UK clinical trial submissions. The engagement also includes support for interactions with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The consultancy programme is intended to support Decoy’s clinical development strategy, including first-in-human dose selection, translational pharmacology planning and readiness for future clinical studies.

Subject to securing future financing and successful programme progression, Decoy also intends to conduct early proof-of-concept and likely follow-on studies with hVIVO, given its track record in human challenge trials.

Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan, Chief Executive Officer of hVIVO, 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.” 

“Our objective is a ‘one drug, many viruses, many people’ approach,” said Rick Pierce, Chief Executive Officer, Decoy Therapeutics. “Viral disease shouldn’t require a new drug for every new threat, and it shouldn’t take years to reach the people who need it most. We’re building D-MAVs as a new category of antiviral, one designed to work across multiple viruses and built from the start for the markets, governments and global health partners who can get them to patients at scale. Our partnership with hVIVO is a critical step toward proving that approach in human studies, and this development framework could potentially support future candidates within our antiviral pipeline.” 

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