GSK and Vir Biotechnology COVID-19 drug found to reduce deaths and hospitalisation by 85%
pharmafile | March 11, 2021 | News story | | GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, Vir Biotechnology
Vir Biotechnology and GSK have announced that their monoclonal-antibody drug has been found to reduce hospitalisations or deaths from COVID-19 by 85%.
The Phase III clinical trial of the drug, VIR-7831, yielded early positive results, and GSK and Vir Biotechnology plan to immediately seek Emergency Use Authorization in the US as well as authorisations in other countries.
The clinical trial focused on 583 study subjects at risk of hospitalisation. Following an interim analysis of the data, the trial was halted for enrolment following an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recommendation.
Dr Hal Barron, Chief Scientific Officer and President R&D at GSK, said: “We are pleased that this unique monoclonal antibody was able to bring such a profound benefit to patients. We look forward to the possibility of making VIR-7831 available to patients as soon as possible and to further exploring its potential in other settings.”
VIR-7831 is designed as a single intravenous infusion for treatment of mild to moderate illness.
GSK and Vir Biotechnology have also announced in a separate study of VIR-7831 that it remains effective against the main variants of COVID-19, including the UK, Brazilian, and South African variants.
The results of this separate study on VIR-7831’s efficacy against variants are expected to be published online on the preprint server bioRxiv.
“These findings, paired with our pending publication of resistance data, demonstrate the potential of VIR-7831 to prevent the most severe consequences of COVID-19 and highlight its potential ability to protect against the current circulating strains of the virus,” said Vir Biotechnology Chief Executive George Scangos.
Kat Jenkins
Related Content
Norgine enters exclusive licensing agreement with Vir Biotechnology
Norgine has announced its exclusive licensing agreement with Vir Biotechnology, under which Norgine will commercialise …
GSK’s Exdensur receives MHRA approval for asthma and rhinosinusitis
GSK’s Exdensur (depemokimab), a twice-yearly biological medicine, has received approval from the UK Medicines and …
Multiple myeloma treatment approved in Japan
GSK’s Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) combinations have been approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and …
