Antiviral development in the age of AI: From pre-IND to early stage human trials

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how sponsors approach the journey from promising candidate to clinically validated proof of concept.

In this video interview, sponsored by hVIVO, pharmaphorum’s Deep Dive editor Eloise McLennan sits down with Andrew Catchpole, chief scientific officer at hVIVO, and Rick Pierce, CEO at Decoy Therapeutics, to discuss how advancements in AI and machine learning are pushing industry beyond the bounds of a traditional "one virus, one drug" model.

Drawing on Decoy's AI-driven approach to developing broad-spectrum antivirals and hVIVO's expertise in human challenge trials, Catchpole and Pierce also explore the importance of target product profiles, manufacturing scalability, and the value of engaging specialist trial partners early.

About hVIVO

hVIVO plc (Ticker: HVO) is a science‑led early‑phase drug development company purpose‑built to meet the growing complexity of modern clinical research. The Company operates an integrated early‑phase ecosystem that combines specialist clinical sites, advanced virology and immunology laboratories, human challenge expertise, and early drug development consulting. This unified model enables sponsors to generate rigorous, decision‑ready human data earlier in development, reducing uncertainty and accelerating progression through Phase I and II trials.

With industry‑leading capabilities in respiratory and infectious disease, alongside expanding expertise in cardiometabolic and other high‑growth therapeutic areas, hVIVO supports a diverse global client base that includes seven of the world’s ten largest biopharmaceutical companies. Its London quarantine facilities are the largest purpose‑built human challenge units in the world, complemented by additional early‑phase clinical capacity in Germany and a specialist consulting team providing strategic, regulatory, and biometry expertise.

The Company’s integrated approach delivers a seamless pathway from preclinical planning through early proof‑of‑concept, supported by continuous patient recruitment through FluCamp and a network of outpatient clinical sites for Phase II and III studies. By unifying scientific insight, operational control, and advanced laboratory capabilities, hVIVO provides sponsors with the clarity, speed, and reliability required to advance new medicines with confidence.