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. reports developments as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Recurring updates cover its chronic hepatitis delta program, including the investigational combination of tobevibart and elebsiran, and its oncology portfolio of PRO-XTEN® dual-masked T-cell engagers across solid tumor targets.
Company news also includes clinical data presentations, trial progress, financial results, equity financing activity, and strategic collaborations. Its VIR-5500 program is a PSMA-targeted PRO-XTEN® dual-masked T-cell engager for metastatic prostate cancer, and the company also describes preclinical work across infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.
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.
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.