hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) chief scientific officer Andrew Catchpole talked with Proactive about the company’s latest developments in human challenge models across multiple viral pathogens. Catchpole explained that hVIVO presented new data at the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) and the World Vaccine Congress, highlighting the role of challenge models in expediting vaccine and antiviral development. “Challenge models give a really good opportunity to get fast proof of concept data very, very quickly,” he said. He detailed progress on several new models, including those for RSV B, HMPV, and Omicron. The HMPV model addresses a critical unmet medical need, as there are currently no approved treatments or vaccines. Catchpole said the model supports fast-tracked development of interventions for at-risk populations such as infants and the elderly. The finalised Omicron challenge model reflects real-world conditions, targeting vaccinated or previously exposed individuals. This enables the evaluation of next-generation or pan-coronavirus vaccines. Catchpole also outlined how the RSV B model complements existing RSV A research, particularly for assessing combination vaccines across both strains. These models can serve both early-stage proof of concept and as supplementary data to traditional phase 2 or 3 studies. Looking ahead, hVIVO is expanding into respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, and through its acquisition of CRS, is moving into cardiometabolic and renal disease models. The company is also extending its lab capabilities with next-generation sequencing and digital PCR tools. Visit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more interviews like this. Don’t forget to give this video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications to stay updated. #hVIVO #AndrewCatchpole #RSV #HMPV #Omicron #ChallengeModels #VaccineDevelopment #AntiviralResearch #ClinicalTrials #ProactiveInvestors #PharmaNews #BiotechUpdates #InfectiousDiseaseResearch