Develop an innovative antibody therapy for influenza GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Extended Collaboration

In the United States alone, 500,000 people are hospitalized and 34,000 die each year, 75 percent of them from influenza A.
because flu strains change from year to year, the current flu vaccine is not effective against seasonal influenza.
older people over 65 with at least one type of combined disease are at higher risk of hospitalization or death from influenza, and this group usually responds less to current vaccines.
Under this agreement, GSK will receive exclusive research and development benefits for Vir's potential "best-in-class" monoclonal antibody therapy for influenza, including intramuscular injections called VIR-2482 in monoclonal antibodies for general preventive treatment of influenza A.
it has completed Phase 1 clinical trials.
GSK is entitled to the development of next-generation antibodies for the prevention or treatment of influenza during the three-year partnership.
In addition, the two sides will undertake two new research and development projects: the first is to expand existing functional genomics collaborations to develop new targets for the treatment of other respiratory viruses, and the second will use Vir's antibody technology platform to develop three neutral and monoclonal antibody therapies targeting non-flu pathogens.
GSK will make an upfront payment of $225 million and increase the number of equity investments by $120 million.
, GSK's chief scientific officer and president of research and development, said: "We believe it is important to develop new tools for treating and preventing infectious diseases.
am very happy to be working with Vir to expand.
. George Scangos, CEO of Vir Biotechnology, said, "GSK is already a valuable partner in the fight against COVID-19.
in functional genomics studies of COVID-19, we have identified multiple targets with potential to treat influenza and other respiratory viruses.
this expanded collaboration will support the rapid development of several promising in-study compounds and improve patients' access to these potentially life-saving therapies.
: This article is intended to introduce medical and health research, not treatment options recommended.
if you need guidance on treatment options, visit a regular hospital.
resources: gSK and Vir Biotechnology Expand Coronavirus Collaboration to Advanced New Therapeutics for Influenza Other and Hughes. Retrieved February 17, 2021, from