Retroscreen Virology is Europe's leading specialist virology contract research organization (CRO). The work we conduct is dedicated to creating the next generation of antiviral drugs and vaccines for the treatment of a number of respiratory and enteric viral infections. Our research includes laboratory-based pre-clinical work which is performed by our Translational Research group, and proof of principle/ concept challenge studies (Phase 1b and Phase 2a studies).

Retroscreen is the only company in the world dedicated to the conduct of viral challenge studies in humans. These studies are conducted in the company’s purpose-built and specifically designed quarantine unit located in London, UK. Conducting clinical challenge studies in a controlled, quarantine environment allows for more cost effective, superior designed clinical trials and, as a consequence, accelerated selection of safe and effective dose and dosing regimes for new antiviral drugs and vaccines. We currently conduct and co-ordinate several clinical trials per year and to date have performed over 20 studies involving the inoculation of over 800 volunteers with virus. As such, Retroscreen's experience in this field is unparalleled.

View History of the human challenge study for more information.

Retroscreen also benefits from advice and encouragement from a group of internationally known scientists chosen to represent a diverse range of virological, medical and scientific experience.

A summary of Retroscreen's services is provided below. To find out more about the services Retroscreen provides, contact us on 020 7756 1300 and ask for Dr Ian Meikle, Business Development Director.

Clinical Services

Phase 1a studies
Retroscreen has the capability to conduct routine Phase 1a safety studies (though not first-in-man) with antiviral drugs and vaccines for major pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology businesses and academia. These studies are conducted in the company’s 24-bed quarantine unit.

Phase 1b and 2a; human challenge studies
Retroscreen co-ordinates human viral challenge studies from study design through to final report. These studies usually involve an IMP (new antiviral drug or vaccine), although more research-based biomarker studies or viral transmission studies with no IMP are also conducted. To date, Retroscreen has undertaken 22 such studies and infected over 820 volunteers with different viruses (Influenza, RSV and Rhinovirus). The challenge study is not restricted to respiratory viruses, and can be used to study enteric viruses.

View Clinical Services for more information.

Translational Research Services (pre-clinical services)

Clinical trial support
Retroscreen’s Translational Research group supports the human viral challenge studies by performing the relevant analyses on samples generated during the study. For example, during the volunteer screening process, all serology testing is done by the group, and during the study the group also perform viral load analysis. However, the group also supports major pharmaceutical and biotech companies in their Phase 3 immunogenicity studies by screening samples in vitro. The Translational Research group has the capacity to handle high-throughput analysis of large numbers of samples generated in clinical trials conducted externally, and in a very recent project performed the Haemagglutination Inhibition assay on 24,000 samples within 7 weeks.

Virucidal testing
Retroscreen Virology can test a variety of products for their virucidal (virus destroying) efficacy.

In-vitro analysis
Our laboratories can test new compounds for efficacy against a wide range of viral diseases. We offer simple EC50 determination as well as bridging models that can be used in support of clinical trial applications to national regulatory authorities in Europe, the USA and Japan.

View Translational Research Services for more information.