For immediate release 07.00: 7 January 2013
("Retroscreen" or the "Company")
Retroscreen Virology Group plc (AIM: RVG), the viral challenge and "Virometrics" specialist, is pleased to announce the signing of a Viral Challenge Model ("VCM") contract for evaluating modes of influenza transmission and better understanding how flu is spread.
The study will be the largest ever investigation into influenza transmission and is a collaboration with the University of Nottingham and other international groups, funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contract is valued at £3.9 million and the study will commence in H1 2013.
Kym Denny, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The spread of influenza virus is surprisingly poorly understood and this is vital research. Even before the next pandemic, respiratory illness in general and flu in particular is one of the largest drivers of cost to health provision in the developed world. The funding by the CDC illustrates the continuing importance of influenza research and further demonstrates the flexibility and application of the VCM for research-based projects, as well as studies involving new antiviral drugs and vaccines. We are delighted to be working with the University of Nottingham again, with whom we have previously established the transmission model. We are tremendously excited by the study which will help us better understand how to prevent the spread of flu and inform future public health initiatives."
For further information please contact:
Retroscreen Virology Group plc +44 207 756 1300
Kym Denny (CEO)
Graham Yeatman (FD)
Numis Securities Limited +44 207 260 1000
Michael Meade / Freddie Barnfield (Nominated Adviser)
James Black / Michael Burke (Corporate Broking)