Vir Biotechnology, Inc. Stock Price, News & Analysis

Vir Biotechnology and GSK announced that the Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended stopping the Phase 3 COMET-ICE trial early due to an impressive 85% reduction in hospitalization or death for patients receiving VIR-7831 compared to placebo. Following this, they plan to seek Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. and other countries. Additionally, in vitro studies show that VIR-7831 retains effectiveness against major COVID-19 variants. The trial involved 583 patients, with ongoing follow-up to gather more data on safety and efficacy.

Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline announced an update on their COVID-19 treatment, VIR-7831, during the NIH's ACTIV-3 trial. Although VIR-7831 initially met criteria to advance, concerns regarding its efficacy led to a recommendation to close its enrollment. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board found no safety issues but noted uncertainties about patient benefit. The companies aim to further evaluate VIR-7831's potential while upcoming data from the COMET-ICE trial is anticipated. VIR-7831 is designed to block viral entry and clear infected cells, potentially effective against emerging variants.

Vir Biotechnology (Nasdaq: VIR) reported strong progress in its development pipeline, with six molecules targeting serious infectious diseases. Total revenues for 2020 reached $76.4 million, a significant increase from $8.1 million in 2019, primarily driven by a collaboration with GSK. The company anticipates key data from Phase 3 trials for its monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 (VIR-7831 and VIR-7832) in early 2021. However, the net loss for Q4 2020 was $105.6 million, up from $63.8 million in Q4 2019, reflecting increased R&D and administrative expenses.

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.