Data From Multiple Ongoing Trials Of Vir Biotech's HBV Therapies Show Promising Action

Vir Biotechnology Inc VIR announced new data from its hepatitis B virus (HBV) portfolio aimed at achieving a functional cure.
New preliminary data from an ongoing Phase 2 trial demonstrated that 30.8% of participants receiving 48 weeks of VIR-2218 combined with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) achieved HBsAg seroclearance with anti-HBs seroconversion.
Additionally, 48 weeks of VIR-2218 plus PEG-IFN-α provided greater reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) compared to VIR-2218 alone or with shorter regimens of the combination.
No new safety signals were identified.
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New results from Part A of the Phase 2 MARCH trial demonstrated a mean HBsAg reduction of >2.5 log10 IU/mL.
The combination of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 through up to 20 weeks of treatment in Part A was generally well tolerated.
The company is evaluating the combination of VIR-2218, VIR-3434, and PEG-IFN-α in Part B of the MARCH trial. Initial data from Part B are expected in the second half of 2023.
Additionally, Phase 1 data demonstrated that a single 75 mg or 300 mg dose of VIR-3434 resulted in rapid reductions in HBsAg and HBV DNA in chronic HBV infection without nucleot(s)ide transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) therapy.
Price Action: VIR shares are down 2.96% at $24.90 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.