Vir Biotechnology Finalizes Exclusive Global License Deal with Sanofi for T-Cell Engagers

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) announced the closure of its exclusive worldwide license agreement with Sanofi on September 9, 2024. This follows the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The agreement grants Vir an exclusive worldwide license to three clinical-stage masked T-cell engagers (TCEs) with potential applications in various cancers and the proprietary PRO-XTEN masking platform for oncology and infectious disease. Additionally, key employees from Sanofi with considerable expertise in TCEs and the PRO-XTEN platform will join Vir. More details on the TCEs and their development plans will be shared at Vir’s R&D Day in November.

“The closing of this strategic agreement with Sanofi is a pivotal moment for Vir and a significant opportunity to help address patient unmet needs. We are excited to further advance the masked T-cell engagers in clinical development, bolstering our clinical pipeline and adding near-term value creation opportunities,” said Marianne De Backer, Vir’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our proven expertise in antibody engineering and clinical development combined with the innovative PRO-XTEN masking platform offers a unique opportunity to discover and develop therapies in oncology and infectious disease.”

The PRO-XTEN proprietary masking platform can be applied to TCEs, cytokines, and other molecules potentially broadening the therapeutic index (TI) for patients. This technology exploits the high protease activity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to specifically activate (unmask) drug candidates in tumor tissues. The selective cleavage results in the active molecule being released preferentially in the TME, potentially increasing the TI by minimizing off-target activity and toxicity associated with the systemic immune activation seen with traditional TCEs. Vir has exclusively licensed the PRO-XTEN proprietary masking platform from Sanofi in the fields of oncology and infectious diseases.

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the immune system to transform lives by discovering and developing medicines for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Vir’s clinical-stage portfolio includes infectious disease programs for chronic hepatitis delta and chronic hepatitis B infections, in addition to multiple oncology programs. Vir also has a preclinical portfolio of programs across a range of other infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.

The completion of this agreement is viewed as a significant milestone for Vir, enhancing its capability to address patient needs through advanced therapeutic solutions. The integration of Sanofi’s key employees is expected to further strengthen Vir’s scientific and developmental expertise, positioning the company for future innovations in both oncology and infectious disease treatments.