Vir Biotechnology Shifts Focus to Hepatitis D, Seeks Partner for Hepatitis B Program

Vir Biotechnology, a leading player in the infectious disease and oncology space, has announced significant strategic shifts in its hepatitis research programs. The company is advancing its hepatitis D (HDV) therapy while pausing further development of its hepatitis B (HBV) treatment pending a suitable partnership.

Hepatitis D Program Advances to Phase 3

Vir Biotechnology is preparing to launch a phase 3 trial for its combination therapy of tobevibart and elebsiran in hepatitis D during the first half of 2025. This decision follows promising early efficacy results from a phase 2 trial last summer, which suggested the treatment could pose a significant challenge to Gilead Sciences' efforts in the hepatitis D market.

The advancement of this program is particularly noteworthy given the current lack of approved treatments for hepatitis D in the United States. Hepatitis D, which can only infect individuals already carrying the hepatitis B virus, presents a higher risk of irreversible liver damage and life-threatening complications compared to hepatitis B alone.

Hepatitis B Development Paused, Awaiting Partnership

While pushing forward with its hepatitis D program, Vir has decided to pause further development of its hepatitis B treatment. The company is actively seeking a worldwide development and commercialization partner outside of Greater China to continue advancing this program.

This decision comes as Vir awaits 24-week data from its phase 2 trial, expected in the second quarter of 2025. The trial is evaluating whether the company's combination regimen of tobevibart and elebsiran could act as a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Vir CEO Marianne De Backer, Ph.D., emphasized the company's strategic approach, stating, "Our disciplined capital deployment and strategic approach to partnerships enable us to maximize value creation from our pipeline and deliver transformative therapies to patients."

Oncology Pipeline Progression

In addition to its infectious disease programs, Vir is advancing its oncology pipeline. The company currently has two solid tumor-focused dual-masked T-cell engager programs in phase 1 trials, with a third expected to enter the clinic in the first half of 2025.

This diversification into oncology represents part of Vir's broader strategy to focus resources on its most promising programs across both infectious diseases and cancer treatment.