Vir Biotech's VIR-7831 Maintains Activity Against California Variant Of COVID-19 Infection

Vir Biotechnology Inc VIR has announced new preclinical data of VIR-7831, the company's investigational monoclonal antibody (mAb) against SARS-CoV-2.
The new data showed that the antibody maintains its neutralizing activity against a mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, called L452R, found in the California variant (B.1.427/B.1.429).
Data from 43 vaccinated donors and nine convalescent donors demonstrated that the S13I, W152C, and L452R mutations reduced the neutralization potency of plasma three to sixfold.
Besides, the L452R mutation reduced the neutralization activity of 14 out of 35 RBD-specific mAbs, including three clinical-stage antibodies.
Complete loss of neutralization by all 10 N-terminal domain-specific mAbs mediated by an unconventional escape mechanism was observed.
VIR-7831, which targets a non-receptor binding motif (RBM) epitope, was unaffected by the L452R mutation.
VIR-7831 is an investigational dual-action SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody.
Recently, VIR-7831 co-administered with GlaxoSmithKline plc's GSK bamlanivimab, demonstrated a 70% relative reduction in persistently high viral load at day seven compared to placebo in low-risk COVID-19 patients.
Price Action: VIR shares are up 0.04% at $51.29 in premarket on the last check Monday.