Vir Biotechnology, Inc. - VIR STOCK NEWS

Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline have expanded their collaboration to develop monoclonal antibodies for influenza and other respiratory viruses. GSK will invest $120 million and make an upfront payment of $225 million to accelerate research on VIR-2482, an investigational antibody designed for universal prophylaxis against influenza A. This collaboration also includes exploration for additional antibody candidates targeting non-influenza pathogens. The agreement hinges on customary regulatory conditions.

Vir Biotechnology (Nasdaq: VIR) will release its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for 2020 on February 25, 2021. The corporate update is set to follow after market close and will be available on the company’s website under the Investors section.

Vir is focused on treating serious infectious diseases through innovative immunology technologies and has a pipeline addressing COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza A, and HIV.

Vir Biotechnology has published new research identifying the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as a target for neutralizing antibodies, with varying efficacy across emerging variants. The findings highlight the NTD's potential role in immune evasion and suggest the need for therapies with high resistance barriers. The investigational antibody VIR-7831, currently in Phase 3 trials, targets a conserved area of the receptor binding domain (RBD) and is designed for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Recent studies emphasize the importance of broadening targets to enhance vaccine and therapeutic strategies.

Eli Lilly, Vir Biotechnology, and GlaxoSmithKline have announced a collaboration to study two COVID-19 therapies in low-risk patients. The expanded BLAZE-4 trial will investigate the efficacy of bamlanivimab (700mg) with VIR-7831 (500mg), marking the first time monoclonal antibodies from different companies will be combined. Bamlanivimab is authorized for emergency use against COVID-19, while VIR-7831 is still investigational. The collaboration aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of this combination therapy amidst ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Eli Lilly (LLY), Vir Biotechnology (VIR), and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced a collaboration to evaluate the combination of their COVID-19 therapies in low-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The expanded BLAZE-4 trial will assess bamlanivimab (700mg) with VIR-7831 (500mg), both neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2. This marks the first cross-company monoclonal antibody collaboration. Bamlanivimab is authorized for emergency use, while VIR-7831 is investigational. The trial aims to determine if this combination therapy can improve treatment outcomes.

Vir Biotechnology announced promising initial data from its ongoing trial of VIR-3434 for chronic HBV infection. In a blinded cohort of eight patients, six achieved a significant mean reduction of 1.3 log10 IU/mL in HBsAg by day eight after a single 6 mg dose. This unexpected efficacy at low dosage demonstrates VIR-3434's potential as both a neutralizing antibody and a therapeutic vaccine. The trial is designed to evaluate safety and efficacy in chronic HBV patients and will progress with additional studies, including a Phase 2 trial combining VIR-3434 with VIR-2218.

Vir Biotechnology and Gilead Sciences have initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to explore combination therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). The trial will evaluate various combinations, including Gilead’s selgantolimod and Vir’s VIR-2218. This collaboration aims to develop a functional cure for HBV, which affects over 290 million people globally. The primary goal is to achieve a functional cure, defined by the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen from the serum. Both companies retain rights to their respective candidates. Safety and efficacy of these investigational drugs have yet to be established.

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) and Vir Biotechnology (NASDAQ: VIR) announced a clinical collaboration to explore new therapeutic combinations for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). A Phase 2 trial will evaluate therapies involving Gilead's selgantolimod, VIR's VIR-2218, and a PD-1 antagonist. The study aims to achieve a functional cure, defined by the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA. Both firms retain rights to their products and will consider future studies based on Phase 2 results. Current therapies require lifelong treatment for over 290 million HBV patients globally.

Vir Biotechnology is advancing its collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline to evaluate VIR-7832, a monoclonal antibody aimed at treating COVID-19. The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial, which starts in Q1 2021, will assess VIR-7832's ability to clear infected cells and enhance T cell function. This trial will be conducted through the AGILE initiative across multiple UK sites. This study builds on the first antibody, VIR-7831, which is already in Phase 3 trials, highlighting a robust pipeline focused on addressing the pandemic.