GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Vir Biotechnology will collaborate to research and develop solutions for coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The partnership will leverage Vir’s proprietary monoclonal antibody platform technology to identify new anti-viral antibodies that could be used to address the current COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks. Further, it will use GSK’s expertise in functional genomics, CRISPR screening, and artificial intelligence to identify anti-coronavirus compounds that target cellular host genes.
“Vir’s unique antibody platform has precedented success in identifying and developing antibodies as treatments for multiple pathogens, and it is highly complementary with our R&D approach to focus on the science of immunology,” Hal Barron, chief scientific officer and president R&D at GSK, said. “I am very excited that the talent and passion of our two companies will come together to develop solutions for multiple diseases, including the very promising antibody candidates targeting COVID-19.”
The initial focus of the collaboration will be to accelerate the development of specific antibody candidates that have demonstrated high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and are highly potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. The companies plan to proceed directly into a phase 2 clinical trial within the next three to five months.
The companies will also research coronavirus vaccines by coupling GSK’s vaccine technologies and expertise with Vir’s ability to identify neutralizing epitopes that are present across entire viral families.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that multiple therapeutic approaches, used in combination or in sequence, will be necessary to stop this coronavirus pandemic. It is likely that the current coronavirus outbreak will not be the last,” George Scangos, CEO, Vir Biotechnology, said. “These insights are informing our scientific approach and we are pleased to join forces on the execution of this strategy with GSK, who have a like-minded R&D strategy, a deep expertise in vaccines and an impressive global reach to bring medicines to people around the world.”
GSK will make an equity investment in Vir of $250 million.