Retroscreen Virology Limited, a global leader in anti-viral research, clinical trials and experimental challenge studies, is pleased to announce that it has been included in the 2009 Tech Track 100 which ranks the fastest-growing private technology companies in Britain by sales growth over a three year period.

Retroscreen is one of only two biotechnology companies included in the league table and joins household names such as LOVEFILM.com and Justgiving.com. This prestigious group of dynamic and innovative organisations is clearly defying the current economic climate.

Retroscreen is the only contract research organisation (CRO) in the world that offers experimental infection studies with viruses in human volunteers under quarantine conditions. The Company, a global leader in anti-viral research, designs and coordinates clinical trials for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are developing novel antiviral drugs and vaccines. To date, Retroscreen has conducted over 30 such ‘challenge studies’, safely infecting over 700 volunteers. Experimental challenge studies can help reduce both the cost and the duration of drug development by accelerating the selection of dose and dosing regimes for later licensing studies.

The Company’s sales have grown by over 66% in the last three years, generating over £5m in revenue over the last year alone. Retroscreen is applying its unique bank of historical virology samples and expertise, going back as far as the 1918 influenza epidemic, to tackle modern day health challenges – including global bird and swine flu outbreaks.

Dr. Robert Lambkin-Williams, Chief Executive of Retroscreen Virology Limited, commented: “We are very pleased to see that Retroscreen’s progress in the last three years has been recognised with a place in the Tech Track 100. We provide clinical services that no other company can offer. Combined with our unique sample library and team experience, against a backdrop of significantly increased public concern, we believe that Retroscreen’s time has come. I look forward to the Company continuing to grow and seize new opportunities, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of antiviral research.”

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About Retroscreen Virology Ltd
RVL is unique in being the only contract research organisation (CRO) in the world that offers experimental infection studies with viruses in human volunteers under quarantine conditions (human challenge studies). Founded in 1989 by John Oxford, Professor of Virology, University of London, the Company, a global leader in anti-viral research, designs and coordinates clinical trials for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are developing novel antiviral drugs and vaccines. To date, RVL has conducted over 30 such quarantines, infecting over 700 volunteers. Experimental challenge studies can help reduce both the cost and the duration of drug development by accelerating the selection of dose and dosing regimes for later licensing studies. RVL is ISO9001 accredited and is partnered with a number of leading UK universities, including Queen Mary, University of London.

Clinical trials: RVL offers a comprehensive service from protocol and case report form design through to effecting and co-ordinating the study. The Company is especially renowned for its unique experimental challenge studies, conducted under strict quarantine conditions at its UK Flu Camps (see www.flucamp.com).

Analytical Services and Clinical Trial Support: RVL has invested in the development and optimisation of in vitro antiviral assay techniques to support clinical trials. The Company specialises in assays for respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus (the common cold), as well as gastrointestinal viruses among others.

RVL is also part of a consortium led by QinetiQ Nanomaterials Limited, a wholly owned QinetiQ subsidiary, which is developing a range of viral treatments from nanomaterials. The two year programme, which was completed recently, was funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) who allocated £2 million to the project.

Furthermore, RVL is the lead participant in the European Surveillance Network for Vigilance against Viral Resistance (VIRGIL), which was established with a grant of £9 million from the European Union. Virgil is a network of excellence that aims to integrate and coordinate the activities of doctors and scientists from institutions across Europe who are investigating viral resistance.

For more information on RVL please visit www.retroscreen.com.