Identification and Characterization of a Potential Therapeutic COVID-19 Antibody by Vir Biotechnology Published in Nature
May 18 2020 - 5:05AM
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) today announced the
publication of research findings from the company’s efforts to
develop therapeutics for COVID-19 in the May 18, 2020 issue of the
journal Nature. The paper, entitled “Cross-neutralization of
SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2 by a human monoclonal antibody” (Pinto, et
al., Nature), details the identification and characterization of
S309, an antibody isolated from a patient who recovered from severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, which has been shown to
prevent SARS-CoV-2 live virus infection of cells. Vir is advancing
two clinical development candidates based on the S309 antibody as
potential therapeutics for COVID-19, VIR-7831 and VIR-7832, in
collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK).
“Remarkably, we believe S309 likely covers the entire family of
related coronaviruses, which suggests that, even as SARS-CoV-2
continues to evolve, it may be quite challenging for it to become
resistant to the neutralizing activity of S309,” said Herbert
“Skip” Virgin, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Vir. “In
addition, S309 exhibits potent effector function in vitro,
potentially allowing the antibody to engage and recruit the rest of
the immune system to kill off already infected cells. We have seen
in animal models of other respiratory infections, such as
influenza, that effector function significantly enhances the
activity of antibodies that are already potently neutralizing.”
“Potency, coupled with a high barrier to resistance, are
hallmarks of a superior antiviral,” said Phillip S. Pang, M.D.,
Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Vir. “We have seen this with mAb114,
a single, potent monoclonal antibody that has been shown in a Phase
2/3 trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo to markedly reduce
mortality from Ebola.”
mAb114 is a monoclonal antibody that was isolated by Vir
scientists in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) and other government agencies using the same approach used to
discover and develop S309. mAb114 is being developed by Ridgeback
Biotherapeutics LP and the NIH.
The paper can be accessed on the Nature website here. To learn
more about Vir’s efforts to develop therapies for COVID-19, visit
https://investors.vir.bio/press-releases.
About VIR-7831
VIR-7831 is a monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated the
ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 live virus in vitro. The antibody
binds to an epitope on SARS-CoV-2 that is shared with SARS-CoV-1
(also known as SARS), indicating that the epitope is highly
conserved, which may make it more difficult for escape mutants to
develop. VIR-7831 has been engineered to have an extended
half-life.
About VIR-7832
VIR-7832 is a monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated the
ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 live virus in vitro. The antibody
binds to an epitope on SARS-CoV-2 that is shared with SARS-CoV-1
(also known as SARS), indicating that the epitope is highly
conserved, which may make it more difficult for escape mutants to
develop. VIR-7832 has been engineered to have an extended half-life
and to potentially function as a T cell vaccine.
About Vir’s Antibody PlatformVir has a robust
method for capitalizing on unusually successful immune responses
naturally occurring in people who are protected from, or have
recovered from, infectious diseases. The platform is used to
identify rare antibodies from survivors that have the potential to
treat and prevent rapidly evolving and/or previously untreatable
pathogens via direct pathogen neutralization and immune system
stimulation. Vir engineers the fully human antibodies that it
discovers to enhance their therapeutic potential. This platform has
been used to identify and develop antibodies for pathogens
including Ebola (mAb114, currently in use in the Democratic
Republic of Congo), hepatitis B virus, influenza A, malaria, and
others.
About Vir Biotechnology Vir Biotechnology is a
clinical-stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic
insights with cutting-edge technologies to treat and prevent
serious infectious diseases. Vir has assembled four technology
platforms that are designed to stimulate and enhance the immune
system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune
processes. Its current development pipeline consists of product
candidates targeting hepatitis B virus, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2,
human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis. For more
information, please visit www.vir.bio.
Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as
“may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,”
“estimate,” “goal,” “intend,” “potential,” “candidate,”
“continuing,” “developing” and similar expressions (as well as
other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or
circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on Vir’s expectations
and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these
forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual
results may differ materially from these forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press
release include statements regarding the timing of commencement of
clinical trials of the company’s antibodies to treat and prevent
COVID-19, the ability of the company’s antibodies to neutralize the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the company’s efforts to identify additional
antibodies, the ability of S309 to cover the entire family of
related coronaviruses or S309’s ability to recruit the rest of the
immune system to kill off already infected cells, as well as
statements about the highly conserved nature of VIR-7831 and
VIR-7832 making it more difficult for escape mutants to
develop. Many factors may cause differences between current
expectations and actual results including unexpected safety or
efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies,
challenges in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, difficulty in collaborating
with other companies or government agencies, and challenges in
accessing manufacturing capacity. Other factors that may cause
actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in
Vir’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including the section titled “Risk Factors” contained therein.
Except as required by law, Vir assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change
in expectations, even as new information becomes available.
Contact:Vir Biotechnology,
Inc.
InvestorsNeera Ravindran, MDHead of Investor
Relations & Strategic
Communicationsnravindran@vir.bio+1-415-506-5256
MediaLindy DevereuxScient Public
Relationslindy@scientpr.com+1-646-515-5730
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