Open Orphan (LON: ORPH) shares are gaining on Monday after it announced that its subsidiary, hVIVO, has developed a Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) challenge model.
The latest in a long line of viral challenge study models will see the malaria challenge model assist in advancing antimalarial drug and vaccine candidates from November 2021.
hVIVO has secured access to a GMP-manufactured P. falciparum sporozoite challenge agent (PfSPZ Challenge) for use in its malaria challenge studies.
Cathal Friel, Executive Chairman of Open Orphan, said: “We are pleased to have formally announced today the latest addition to our portfolio of human challenge models namely the Malaria Human Challenge Study Model.
“The safety profile of PfSPZ is impressive, and we are optimistic that it will enable us to assist in the advancement of antimalarial drug and vaccine candidates from November. This also adds a new challenge model to our already world leading portfolio of viral challenge study models and continues to build on our global infectious disease expertise.”
Open Orphan shares have gained over 3% so far on Monday, priced at 24.4p.
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