Vir Biotechnology Snags BARDA Contract Potentially Worth Up to $1 Billion

Vir Biotechnology received a multi-year contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance the development of a pre-exposure drug for influenza and other potential products for infectious disease threats.

In a first step, BARDA is investing approximately $55 million for the development of VIR-2482, an investigational prophylactic monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza.

The initial investment will fund a phase 2 clinical trial set to begin sometime this year with initial data expected in mid-2023.

The BARDA agreement could also provide support for Vir’s clinical development of additional monoclonal antibodies targeting influenza, as well as up to 10 emerging infectious disease or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures.