Vir’s dose response, safety data spur combo studies of Alnylam-partnered HBV therapy

With an eye towards a functional cure for chronic HBV, Vir plans to begin testing its siRNA therapy next half in combination with immune boosters. Phase I/II data unveiled Wednesday showed that VIR-2218 alone led to durable, dose-dependent reductions in HBsAG levels in the Phase II portion of the study.

Vir Biotechnology Inc. (NASDAQ:VIR) CMO Phil Pang told BioCentury that HBsAg acts as a brake on the immune system, so lowering the antigen’s levels represents first step towards a functional cure. The second step is to stimulate immune responses, for example with a vaccine or with interferon therapy, against HBV. ...