Lilly, GSK, and Vir Biotechnology Join Forces to Develop Combination Neutralizing Antibody Therapy for COVID-19

Today, Eli Lilly and Company, Vir Biotechnology, and GSK jointly announced that they have entered into a collaboration to evaluate the combination of two neutralizing antibody therapies in patients with low-risk, mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Eli Lilly has expanded its ongoing BLAZE-4 trial to assess the efficacy of the combination therapy comprising bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) and VIR-7831 (also known as GSK4182136). The press release noted that this unique collaboration marks the first time neutralizing antibodies from different companies have been combined to explore potential therapeutic outcomes.

Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing antibody that directly targets the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block viral attachment and entry into human cells. Developed collaboratively by Eli Lilly and AbCellera, bamlanivimab has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

VIR-7831 is a monoclonal antibody with a dual mechanism of action. In preclinical studies, this antibody demonstrated the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by binding to an epitope on the virus that is shared with SARS-CoV-1. This epitope is highly conserved, which may make it more difficult for escape mutants to emerge. Furthermore, modifications to the Fc region of the antibody not only enable it to block viral entry into healthy cells but also activate the immune system, holding the potential to clear infected cells.

“Data from multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of bamlanivimab for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19,” said Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Chief Scientific Officer of Eli Lilly and President of Lilly Research Laboratories. “As new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are expected to emerge, there may be a need for novel therapeutic options. The inclusion of VIR-7831 in our studies represents a critical step toward developing therapies effective against both current and future strains of the coronavirus.”

Vir CEO George Scangos, Ph.D., added, “As the virus continues to evolve, we share the view held by Eli Lilly and GSK that we should pursue all possibilities to help end the pandemic and save as many lives as possible. This trial is the first step in evaluating whether the combination of VIR-7831 and bamlanivimab can provide potential benefits superior to monotherapy.”

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 licensed healthcare provider at a reputable hospital.

References:

[1] Lilly, Vir Biotechnology and GSK announce first patient dosed in expanded BLAZE-4 trial evaluating bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) with VIR-7831 (GSK4182136) for COVID-19. Retrieved January 27, 2021, from https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-vir-biotechnology-and-gsk-announce-first-patient-dosed

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