hLAB is an industry leader in virology clinical trial support and has been working in virology lab services as a contract research organisation (CRO) since 1989. Operating as a highly specialised virology, immunology and molecular laboratory, our comprehensive array of services are tailored to support drug and vaccine research & development, and drive innovation in the field of virology.
With specialists focusing on virology, immunology and molecular biology, hLAB is well equipped within our Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities to provide high quality sample analysis and data outputs enabling clients to arrive at a proof of concept, or to make a breakthrough discovery in the pathology and possible treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs.
Our work includes assay development, transfer and optimisation across immunology, molecular and cell-based assays, including offering extensive options in sample matrix and stability testing and analysis. All assays are validated to FDA, EMA and ICH guidelines.
hLAB is part of hVIVO; hVIVO is a rapidly growing specialist CRO and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and therapeutics using human challenge clinical trials. hVIVO provides end-to-end early clinical development services for our broad and longstanding global client base of biopharma companies.
Number of assays per year
Biobank samples
Samples processed per year
Lab space
Aliquots per year
Lab team
Serology assays per week
RT-qPCR samples per week
Infectivity assay samples per week
Mo is CEO of hVIVO with over 25 years of experience in clinical research and the CRO industry. Mo has worked as a consultant assisting CROs to develop growth strategies and helping prepare companies for future expansion, both organic and through M&A activity. In addition, Mo worked with Private Equity firms providing insight in identifying potential targets and conducting due diligence in preparation for M&A activity. Prior to this Mo had a variety of senior roles at Pharm-Olam where he played a pivotal role in growing a small niche clinical monitoring business to a global full-service CRO with offices across all continents. In his time at Pharm-Olam Mo had leading roles in Clinical Operations, Project Management, Business Development and Executive Management functions. As a key member of the Executive Team Mo participated in the successful sale of the company in 2017, delivering substantial returns to its shareholders. Prior to this he worked at Innovex and Quintiles (IQVIA).
Stephen is a chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience in a range of leadership positions in industries covering publishing, technology, exhibitions, and clinical research. The roles have covered both small to large international listed businesses, providing strong technical and commercial experience. Prior to joining hVIVO, he worked in Thomson Reuters for eleven years in various senior roles. He did his articles with Deloitte following the completion of an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Cape Town.
Andrew first studied as a virologist at the University of Warwick before then furthering his education with postgraduate studies in influenza replication at Oxford University. Since then he has applied his scientific knowledge in a commercial setting. After working as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team developing nuclear medicine research tools at GE Healthcare, he then returned to the field of virology to work for hVIVO, an industry-leading service provider of human viral challenge studies (controlled human infection studies). Andrew is now considered an expert in human viral challenge studies having played key roles in the development of influenza, RSV and HRV models at hVIVO. He has overseen the design and conduct of numerous antiviral and vaccine product efficacy studies and now works as Chief Scientific Officer, leading scientific strategy for the company as well as providing consultancy both internally and externally to hVIVO’s clients and collaborators on challenge study design and data interpretation. In addition, he was PI on a recent successfully completed DARPA-sponsored research project to utilise the challenge model to identity human biomarkers and algorithms prognostic of influenza contagiousness.
Adam French brings over 18 years’ experience working in a number of roles in the Pharmaceutical and CRO industry, including project management and laboratory leadership. His love for biological sciences started from a young age and was cemented after graduating from Anglia Ruskin University in Biomedical Sciences whilst working in the labs at Huntingdon Life Sciences. There his skills for operational leadership were honed whilst working on global business change and strategy projects, before he moved on to more senior roles elsewhere. Adam joined hVIVO in 2014, where he has implemented a number of productivity and growth improvements, with a focus on operational delivery, business growth and personnel development.
Mariya has worked for hVIVO since 2014 in various roles including Viral Challenge Physician, Senior Physician/ Principal Investigator, Associate Medical Director and has been appointed in March 2021 as Medical Director. Since qualification in 1996 at the Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria Mariya specialized in General (Internal) Medicine. Mariya have wide experience in oncology, hematology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and Chronic & Preventative Care; both in Bulgaria and the UK. She is on the GMC Specialist Register for General (Internal) Medicine, and has a current ALS certificate. Mariya is an experienced pharmaceutical physician; this expertise extends to RSV challenges, Influenza, HRV and SARS-CoV-2. As PI, Mariya has been responsible for many clinical trials including RSV, SARS-CoV-2 characterisation and vaccine trials. She has developed and overseen clinical development for clients including safety and medical monitoring. She also regularly trains, supervises and supports staff and investigators.
Marianne joined hVIVO in 2012 and has held various positions within the laboratory team. She is currently Associate Director, Laboratory Operations. Over her time at hVIVO, she has been involved in key company projects including setting up the site and study for the first SARS-CoV-2 human challenge model in the world. Marianne heads up the laboratory operational delivery. She is responsible for laboratory management, the day-to-day delivery of studies, and line management of the operational teams. Prior to joining hVIVO, she worked for Boehringer Ingelheim, focusing on veterinary product quality control, particularly on virus inactivation in final products. Marianne studied at the University of Lyon (France), and gained a Degree in Biochemistry, followed by a Masters in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering.
Alison is an experienced scientist, project manager, and operational lead with over 20 years working in laboratory and clinical research having graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2002. Alison started her career at hVIVO (formally Retroscreen Virology) as a Research Scientist under Professor John Oxford, leading multiple clinical and preclinical studies and programs of work to GLP, GCP, ICH, and FDA quality standards. During this time Alison gained a wealth of experience in regulatory, multi-site, vendor management, and global field trial support, involving both hazard group 2 and 3 pathogens, including being the analytical lead for the world’s first human SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study. Alison has additionally worked cross functionally with other departments spending time as a clinical project manager and leading some key hVIVO GMP challenge agent development programs. As the Laboratory Director, Alison oversees the operational delivery and project management of hVIVO’s specialised virology laboratory studies and the development & validation of new assays and technologies within hLAB. Alison is currently leading the expansion of laboratory services, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing innovation processes.
At hVIVO, we understand the vital role we play in making infectious and respiratory disease products available to patients faster than otherwise possible, using human challenge trials. With origins dating back to 1947, hVIVO has a long history of scientific research and discovery which has helped to advance global health.
Our most valuable asset is our team, and we strive to promote a diversified and welcoming environment which allows our team to thrive. We are committed to ethical and compliant business practices, from the execution of our clinical trials to our interactions with our volunteers, clients, sponsors, vendors, and investors.
We understand our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment whenever possible, we strive to minimise our carbon footprint through energy efficiencies, local and sustainable suppliers, and waste reduction.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an international ethical and scientific quality standard; for designing, conducting, recording and reporting trials. Ensuring participant safety prevails over the interests of science and society.
hVIVO is accredited by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), meaning that we have been recognized by the HTA as compliant with standards and regulations for the ethical and legal removal, storage, and use of human tissue. A HTA license is essential, as hVIVO handles human tissue for various research purposes.
All clinical trials comply with GCP and/or GCP for Laboratories (GCLP) guidance. Human Challenge Agent-only clinical studies that do not involve IMP also comply with GCP/GCLP.
The CAP laboratory accreditation programme ultimately recognises laboratory quality and compliance. CAP accreditation is globally recognised, and provides assurance the hVIVO laboratory services are able to be deliver to a standard.
