Vir Biotechnology applying multiple platforms toaddress public health risk from Wuhan coronavirus
SAN FRANCISCO – January 22, 2020 – Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR), a
clinical-stage immunology company focused on immune approaches to treating and
preventing serious infectious diseases, is issuing the following in response to inquiries
from multiple academic, government, investor, and media stakeholders.
Vir is working to rapidly determine whether its previously identified anti-coronavirus
monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bind and neutralize 2019-nCoV, also referred to as
“Wuhan coronavirus”.
“We have a library of multiple fully-human mAbs that bind and neutralize coronaviruses
such as SARS and MERS,” said Herbert “Skip” Virgin, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific
Officer of Vir. “These mAbs were discovered using our antibody platform that identifies
mAbs from survivors of an infection. Some of these mAbs are able to neutralize
zoonotic coronaviruses, and we believe may have the potential to treat and prevent
Wuhan coronavirus. We are also exploring the isolation of new mAbs specific for this
virus.”
In addition to Vir’s mAb efforts, its scientists are planning to apply whole genome
CRISPR-based screening capabilities (Vir’s innate immunity platform) to identify the
host receptor that allows Wuhan coronavirus infection. This may allow additional
approaches to address this rapidly emerging public health concern.
“We appreciate the threat this pathogen presents, and are utilizing our technologies to
determine whether we currently have, or can identify, therapies to neutralize this virus,”
said George Scangos, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Vir. “We don’t know yet if these
efforts will be successful, but we are working aggressively to find out.”
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 five product candidates
targeting hepatitis B virus, influenza A, human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis.
For more information, please visit www.vir.bio.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “potential” 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 plans to apply Vir’s innate
immunity platform to identify the host receptor that allows Wuhan coronavirus infection
and the likelihood Vir’s antibodies and approaches can address the virus. Many factors
may cause differences between current expectations and actual results including
unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical
site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected,
changes in expected or existing competition, and unexpected litigation or other
disputes. 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.