GSK and Vir Biotechnology Expand Collaboration to Develop Innovative Antibody Therapies for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses

Today, GSK and Vir Biotechnology jointly announced that they have reached an agreement to expand their existing R&D collaboration to develop innovative therapies for influenza and other respiratory viruses. The two companies had previously entered into a partnership in 2020 to co-develop innovative therapies targeting coronaviruses.

In the United States alone, influenza results in 500,000 hospitalizations and 34,000 deaths annually, with 75% of these cases attributable to influenza A. Due to annual variations in influenza virus strains, the efficacy of current influenza vaccines against seasonal flu remains inconsistent. Adults aged 65 years and older with at least one comorbidity face a higher risk of hospitalization or death from influenza, and this population typically exhibits a diminished immune response to existing vaccines.

Under this agreement, GSK will obtain exclusive development rights to Vir’s potential “best-in-class” monoclonal antibody therapies for influenza, including the intramuscular investigational monoclonal antibody VIR-2482, intended for universal prophylactic treatment of influenza A. It has completed Phase 1 clinical trials. During the three-year collaboration, GSK will have the right to secure development rights to next-generation antibodies for the prevention or treatment of influenza.

In addition, the two parties will launch two new R&D projects: the first project aims to expand the existing functional genomics collaboration to develop new therapeutic targets for other respiratory viruses; the second project will leverage Vir’s antibody technology platform to develop three neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapies targeting non-influenza pathogens.

GSK will pay an upfront payment of $225 million and increase its equity investment by $120 million.

Dr. Hal Barron, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Research and Development at GSK, said, “We believe it is critically important to develop new approaches for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. I am pleased to expand our collaboration with Vir.”

Dr. George Scangos, Chief Executive Officer of Vir Biotechnology, stated, “GSK has already been a valuable partner in the fight against COVID-19. Through functional genomics research targeting COVID-19, we have identified multiple targets with therapeutic potential for influenza and other respiratory viruses. This expanded collaboration will support the rapid development of several promising investigational compounds, thereby improving patient access to these potentially life-saving therapies.”

Note: This article is intended to introduce medical and health research and does not constitute a recommendation for treatment plans. For guidance on treatment options, please consult a qualified healthcare provider at a reputable hospital.

References:

[1] GSK and Vir Biotechnology Expand Coronavirus Collaboration to Advance New Therapeutics for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://investors.vir.bio/news-releases/news-release-details/gsk-and-vir-biotechnology-expand-coronavirus-collaboration

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