hVIVO plc noted the announcement by Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. ("Cidara"), reporting positive interim results from an ongoing human challenge study testing CD388. hVIVO is conducting the Phase 2a single-center, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial using its H3N2 Influenza Human Challenge Study Model. CD388 is Cidara's long-acting drug-Fc conjugate antiviral for the treatment of seasonal influenza.

The interim analysis is based on 56 healthy volunteers, with 28 receiving a single dose of CD388 (150 mg) and 28 receiving a placebo. All subjects were then challenged with a H3N2 influenza A challenge agent. Interim results showed a decrease in viral replication in the upper respiratory tract and influenza infection in participants receiving a single dose of CD388 when compared to placebo.

CD388 was well-tolerated with no drug -related adverse events observed. The data has established preliminary clinical proof of concept for CD388's ongoing development programme. hVIVO has three decades of experience and expertise in safely conducting challenge studies across a range of respiratory viruses, including various strains of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV - common cold virus), COVID-19, asthma, as well as malaria.