GSK and Vir Biotechnology Initiate Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody VIR-7831

Recently, Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2/3 clinical trial of VIR-7831 (also known as GSK4182136), a neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 developed through their collaboration. The Phase 2/3 clinical trial, named COMET-ICE, is expected to enroll nearly 1,300 patients with early symptomatic COVID-19. Its objective is to evaluate whether a single dose of VIR-7831 can prevent hospitalization due to COVID-19. Preliminary results are anticipated by the end of this year, with full results expected in the first quarter of 2021.

A key feature of the novel coronavirus is the spike protein that covers its outer surface. The virus uses these spike proteins to bind to receptors on the surface of human cells and enter them, causing infection. VIR-7831, a neutralizing antibody discovered through Vir’s antibody platform, has demonstrated affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in preclinical studies and exhibited potent neutralizing activity against the virus. Furthermore, VIR-7831 has been engineered to enhance its bioavailability in the lungs.

Later this year, the two companies are expected to initiate a Phase 2 trial of another investigational SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, VIR-7832. This antibody shares the same properties as VIR-7831 but may also serve as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic vaccine.

References:

[1] Vir Biotechnology and GSK Start Phase 2/3 Study of COVID-19 Antibody Treatment. Retrieved August 31, 2020, from https://investors.vir.bio/news-releases/news-release-details/vir-biotechnology-and-gsk-start-phase-23-study-covid-19-antibody

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