Vir Biotechnology, Inc. - VIR STOCK NEWS

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.

Vir Biotechnology announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for VIR-1111, an investigational HIV T cell vaccine, in late December 2020. This trial is a result of a decade-long collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The trial aims to assess the safety and immunogenicity of VIR-1111, which is designed to elicit a strong immune response by generating CD4 and CD8 T cells to attack HIV-infected cells. The study involves healthy adults previously infected with human cytomegalovirus.

Vir Biotechnology, a clinical-stage immunology company, announced that CEO George Scangos, Ph.D., will present virtually at the 39th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 12th at 11:00 am PT/2:00 pm ET. The presentation will be accessible through a live webcast on the Vir website and will be archived for 30 days. Vir focuses on treating and preventing infectious diseases through innovative immunology technologies, with a pipeline targeting SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B, influenza A, HIV, and tuberculosis.

Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline announced the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial for VIR-7831, an investigational monoclonal antibody aimed at treating hospitalized adults with COVID-19. The trial, part of the NIH’s ACTIV program, will assess safety and efficacy against standard care. A total of 300 participants will receive either VIR-7831 or a placebo, with follow-ups for clinical status. This therapy has shown potential in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, which could contribute significantly to treatment options as cases surge globally.

Vir Biotechnology announced the appointment of Jeffrey Hatfield to its Board of Directors. Hatfield brings over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having previously led Vitae Pharmaceuticals and held executive positions at Bristol Myers Squibb. His expertise in commercial programs and platform-based companies is expected to drive Vir's growth, especially as the company tackles serious infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Hatfield's past successes, including the $640 million acquisition of Vitae by Allergan, position him as a valuable asset for Vir's future endeavors.

Vir Biotechnology reported third-quarter financial results for the period ending September 30, 2020, with total revenues increasing to $1.9 million from $1.4 million year-over-year, driven by research activities under HIV and TB grants. However, research and development expenses surged to $70.7 million, leading to a net loss of $84.6 million, or $0.67 per share, compared to a loss of $48.3 million, or $4.60 per share, in Q3 2019. The company is advancing its SARS-CoV-2 programs, including the Phase 3 trial of VIR-7831, expecting initial results in January 2021.

Vir Biotechnology has published a comprehensive study on the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding motif (RBM), revealing high mutation rates that enhance immune evasion. Notably, the N439K variant has shown resistance to several monoclonal antibodies, indicating ongoing challenges in vaccine development. Analyzing over 130,000 viral sequences, the research emphasizes the necessity for continuous monitoring of emerging variants. The findings suggest that VIR-7831 aims to target conserved epitopes to mitigate resistance, enhancing long-term immunity against COVID-19.

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) will announce its third-quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2020, on November 10, 2020. The corporate update will be released after market close and made available on their website. Vir focuses on treating serious infectious diseases using innovative immunology technologies. Their development pipeline includes candidates for various diseases such as hepatitis B, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and tuberculosis.