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 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.
Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline announced the transition of the COMET-ICE study to Phase 3 for evaluating VIR-7831, a monoclonal antibody targeting COVID-19 in high-risk patients. Following a favorable safety review on September 30, 2020, the study will expand globally with results anticipated for the primary endpoint by January 2021. The trial involves approximately 1,300 non-hospitalized patients and aims to assess the efficacy and safety of VIR-7831. Further trials for both hospitalized patients and preventative treatments are also planned.
Vir Biotechnology has published a significant analysis of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, involving nearly 650 infected patients. The study reveals that antibody magnitude correlates with disease severity, with hospitalized patients showing higher levels. Key findings highlight a rapid decline in natural antibody response and identify the receptor binding domain (RBD) as the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. Collaborating with GSK, Vir is advancing therapies like VIR-7831 for early COVID-19 treatment, reflecting progress in vaccine and therapeutic design.