Clinical development partner hVIVO plc (AIM: HVO) announced on Monday that it has signed a consultancy agreement with Decoy Therapeutics to support the development of its respiratory antiviral portfolio, positioning the programmes for potential progression into Phase I and human proof-of-concept studies.

Under the contract, hVIVO will provide services including translational modelling, regulatory strategy, scientific advice preparation, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls consulting, non-clinical development support, and preparation of clinical and regulatory documentation for UK and European trial submissions. The engagement will also support interactions with the European Medicines Agency and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Decoy is developing Designable Multi-Antiviral (D-MAV) candidates, a new class of antivirals designed to target shared mechanisms across multiple respiratory viruses through a single adaptable therapeutic approach. The company's lead programmes focus on respiratory viruses and are built on its proprietary IMP³ACT platform, which combines AI-assisted design and rapid synthesis.

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

Subject to future financing and successful programme advancement, Decoy intends to conduct early proof-of-concept and follow-on studies with hVIVO, leveraging the company's expertise in human challenge trials.