Preclinical Data Show Sotrovimab Retains Activity Against Key Omicron Mutations

Compiled | Newborn

On December 2, GSK and Vir Biotechnology announced an update to a study on the preprint server bioRxiv: Preclinical data suggest that the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab is active against key mutations of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529), including those mutations found at the sotrovimab binding site.(See details:The dual function monoclonal antibodies VIR-7831 and VIR-7832 demonstrate potent in vitro and in vivo activity against SARS-CoV-2）。

These data were generated through pseudovirus testing of specific individual mutations found in Omicron. To date, sotrovimab has been shown to have potential against all variants of concern listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, GSK and Vir are completing in vitro pseudovirus testing to confirm the neutralizing activity of sotrovimab against all Omicron mutations, with an expected preprint update by the end of 2021.

Sotrovimab is a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody that binds to an epitope shared by SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 (the virus that causes SARS). This epitope is highly conserved, which may make the development of resistance more difficult. Sotrovimab incorporates Xencor's Xtend technology, which achieves high concentrations in the lungs to ensure optimal penetration of the airway tissues affected by SARS-CoV-2 and extends the half-life.

Sotrovimab targets a conserved epitope of the S protein that is unlikely to mutate over time. Updated in vitro data published on the preprint server bioRxiv indicate that sotrovimab retains activity against all currently tested variants of concern and interest defined by the WHO, including but not limited to key mutations in Delta (B.1.6172), Delta Plus (AY.1 or AY.2), Mu (B.1.621), and Omicron (B.1.1.529).

Reference Source: Preclinical data demonstrate sotrovimab retains activity against key Omicron mutations, new SARS-CoV-2 variant