Vir Biotechnology, Inc. Stock Price, News & Analysis

Vir Biotechnology has expanded its partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on novel "vaccinal antibody" technology aimed at treating HIV and preventing malaria. This initiative includes a $40 million equity investment and a $10 million grant to support clinical trials evaluating the antibodies' effectiveness. CEO George Scangos emphasized the importance of this collaboration in addressing global infectious diseases. The funding will enhance Vir's pipeline targeting serious conditions like COVID-19 and hepatitis B, aiming for significant public health advancements.

GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology announced the submission to the FDA for an amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 treatment, to include intramuscular administration alongside the existing intravenous option. This follows promising Phase 3 COMET-TAIL trial data showing that intramuscular administration is non-inferior to intravenous administration in high-risk patients. The companies aim to enhance treatment accessibility while maintaining efficacy and low adverse event rates.

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) announced an agreement with the US government to supply an additional 600,000 doses of sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 treatment, in Q1 2022. This brings the total secured doses to approximately 1.7 million globally. Preclinical studies show sotrovimab retains effectiveness against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron and Delta. The firms plan to manufacture around 2 million doses in the first half of 2022. Sotrovimab is authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization for patients at high risk of severe COVID-19.

Vir Biotechnology (Nasdaq: VIR) announced that CEO George Scangos, Ph.D., will present at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 11, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. ET. This event will be held virtually, and a live webcast can be accessed via the Investors section of the Vir website. The presentation will also be archived for 30 days for later viewing.

Vir Biotechnology focuses on immunology and has developed four technology platforms to treat serious infectious diseases, including COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza A, and HIV.

Vir Biotechnology has published new preclinical research indicating that sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting SARS-CoV-2, maintains neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant and other variants of concern. This reinforces the efficacy of targeting a conserved region of the spike protein amidst rapid viral mutations. Data from the COMET-ICE trial demonstrated a 79% reduction in hospitalization or death for high-risk patients treated with sotrovimab. The product is authorized for emergency use in the U.S. and has received various marketing authorizations globally.

On December 17, 2021, the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Xevudy (sotrovimab) to treat COVID-19 in adults and adolescents at increased risk of severe disease who do not need oxygen. This follows a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency on December 16. A Joint Procurement Agreement allows EU member states to order up to 220,000 doses. Clinical trials demonstrated a 79% reduction in hospitalizations or death with sotrovimab. The drug retains activity against variants, including Omicron.

Vir Biotechnology announced that sotrovimab retains neutralizing activity against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. Preclinical data published on bioRxiv showed a reduction in neutralizing activity for most monoclonal antibodies against Omicron, but sotrovimab and five other mAbs maintained their effectiveness. The company's strategy targets a highly conserved region of the spike protein, aiding in its efficacy. Sotrovimab is authorized for emergency use in several countries and is undergoing further clinical trials to explore its broader applications and regulatory approvals.

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) announced the first patient dosing in a Phase 2 clinical trial targeting chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This trial assesses novel combinations, including VIR-2218, an investigational RNA interference therapy, and Gilead's selgantolimod and nivolumab, among others. With an enrollment of about 120 patients, the primary goal is to evaluate the potential for a functional cure, defined by a specific loss of HBV markers. The trial adds to Vir's broader HBV development program, which includes multiple ongoing trials.

Vir Biotechnology announced a conference call on December 7, 2021, at 8:30 am ET, to share new data regarding sotrovimab's effectiveness against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The call will highlight how sotrovimab maintains its activity against various mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron variant. Interested participants can join the call via telephone or access a live webcast on the Vir website, where it will also be archived for 30 days.