GlaxoSmithKline, Vir Biotechnology’s Covid drug reduces hospitalisation and death By Investing.com

By Samuel Indyk

Investing.com – GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) and Vir Biotechnology Inc (NASDAQ:VIR) today announced their VIR-7831 antibody drug reduces hospitalisation or death of adults with Covid-19 by 85%.

An Independent Data Monitoring Committee has now recommended the Phase 3 COMET-ICE trial evaluating the drug as a monotherapy for the early treatment of Covid-19 in adults at high risk of hospitalisation by stopped for enrolment due to evidence of profound efficacy.

Analysis

The analysis was based on a data from 583 patients which demonstrated an 85% reduction in hospitalisation or death in patients receiving the drug compared to placebo.

Based on the results, the two companies plan to submit an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and authorisations in other countries.

“We are pleased that this unique monoclonal antibody was able to bring such a profound benefit to patients,” said GlaxoSmithKline’s Chief Scientific Officer and President R&D Dr Hal Barron. “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.”

GSK and Vir Collaboration

The two companies announced in April last year they were to research and develop solutions for coronaviruses, including the virus that causes Covid-19. The companies also announced last month that they were to expand their collaboration with GSK making a further $120mln equity investment in addition to an upfront payment of $225mln.