Vir Biotech - GSK's COVID-19 Antibody Shows Preclinical Activity Against Omicron Variant

GlaxoSmithKline plc GSK and Vir Biotechnology Inc VIR have announced an update to bioRxiv, a preprint server, with preclinical data for sotrovimab, COVID-19 targeting monoclonal antibody.

• The data demonstrated that sotrovimab retains activity against key mutations of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, including those found in the binding site of sotrovimab. 
• The companies are completing in vitro pseudo-virus testing to confirm the neutralizing activity of sotrovimab against the combination of all the Omicron mutations.
• They plan to provide an update by the end of 2021.
• Related Link: GSK, Vir's Intramuscularly-Administered Sotrovimab Shows Efficacy At Par With IV Route In COVID-19.
• Separately, Britain's drug regulator approved Xevudy (sotrovimab), the second COVID-19 antibody, after Merck & Co Inc's MRK oral molnupiravir.
• The approval comes for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease.
• A single dose of the monoclonal antibody was found to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 79%.
• Unlike molnupiravir, sotrovimab is administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. 
• It is approved for individuals aged 12 and above who weigh more than 40kg.
• Price Action: GSK shares are up 0.53% at $41.59, and VIR shares are up 9.62% at $51.49 during the premarket trading session on Thursday's last check.