Welcome to our dedicated page for Vir Biotechnology news (Ticker: VIR), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Vir Biotechnology stock.
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) is a prominent immunology company pioneering the use of advanced technological innovations to address some of the globe's most challenging infectious diseases. Combining leading scientific expertise with management prowess, Vir Biotechnology focuses on creating solutions for diseases that currently have inadequate or non-existent treatments.
Vir's core business revolves around leveraging breakthroughs in immune programming to manipulate pathogen-host interactions effectively. The company employs a multi-program, multi-platform approach, guided by rigorous science and driven by significant medical needs. Its technology platforms comprise antibodies, T cells, innate immunity, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA).
The company's product pipeline targets severe infectious diseases, including hepatitis B (HBV), influenza A, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis (TB). Vir's revenue streams come from various sources, including collaboration revenue, contract revenue, grant revenue, and license revenue.
Vir's strategy includes internal development, collaborations, and acquisitions, positioning itself as a leader in the biotech space. Notably, Vir's recent collaboration with Brii Biosciences has led to significant advancements in the pursuit of a functional cure for HBV. Through this partnership, they have achieved Breakthrough Therapy Designations for BRII-877 and BRII-835, investigational treatments targeting HBV and chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections.
The company's latest achievements highlight its focus on developing effective therapeutic regimens for chronic HBV infection, a disease affecting over 254 million people globally. With ongoing clinical trials and a commitment to scientific excellence, Vir Biotechnology is at the forefront of transforming the treatment landscape for infectious diseases.
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.
Vir Biotechnology has released data on VIR-2482, a monoclonal antibody aimed at preventing influenza A. The preclinical and Phase 1 studies reveal promising results, including broad neutralizing capability against historical strains and a prolonged half-life that supports potential once-per-season dosing. Notably, elderly patients with comorbidities are at high risk for severe influenza complications, with hospitalization rates between 19%-44% and associated costs of $4,122-$8,181 per patient. This underscores the need for effective prevention strategies, which VIR-2482 may fulfill.
Vir Biotechnology and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the H.C. Wainwright Hepatitis B Virus Mini-Conference on October 20, 2020, at 9:30 am PT/12:30 pm ET. Phil Pang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Vir, and Vasant Jadhav, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Alnylam, will lead the discussion. The event will be accessible via live webcast on both companies' investor websites, with archives available for 30 days post-event.
Vir focuses on treating serious infectious diseases, while Alnylam specializes in RNA interference therapeutics.
Vir Biotechnology has published promising preclinical research demonstrating a new mechanism to enhance monoclonal antibodies' efficacy against viral infections. The study highlights how engineered antibodies can induce protective T-cell responses by engaging specific Fc receptors on dendritic cells. This therapeutic method, previously used for oncologic treatments, may broaden to various infectious diseases. Notably, Vir is advancing clinical development for two engineered antibodies: VIR-3434 for chronic hepatitis B and VIR-7832 for SARS-CoV-2, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches.