Vir Biotechnology (VIR) Leerink Global Healthcare Conference 2026 summary

Strategic vision and evolution

• Focused on harnessing the immune system for infectious disease and oncology, with a shift toward immuno-oncology over the past 18 months.

• Developed three clinical-stage oncology programs, including recent compelling data in prostate cancer.

• Ongoing registrational program in hepatitis delta, with initial data expected by year-end.

• Transitioned from a COVID-focused company to a broader immuno-oncology and infectious disease platform.

Oncology program highlights

• VIR-5500 (PSMA-TCE) showed strong efficacy in late-stage metastatic prostate cancer, including patients with poor prognosis.

• Achieved high PSA response rates and notable tumor regression, with a favorable safety profile and low CRS incidence.

• Masked T-cell engager technology demonstrated dose-dependent antitumor activity and minimal off-tumor toxicity.

• Expansion cohorts for VIR-5500 to start in Q2, aiming to move directly to pivotal trials next year.

• Partnership with Astellas includes a 50/50 US profit split, robust joint governance, and up to $1.7B in milestones and royalties.

Pipeline and platform development

• HER2 and EGFR masked T-cell engagers use the same masking technology, with early signs of efficacy and good safety.

• HER2 program showed tumor shrinkage in 50% of patients at higher doses; further data expected in H2 this year.

• EGFR program is in early dose escalation, exploring multiple indications and combination strategies.

• Preclinical pipeline includes at least seven additional masked TCEs, with plans to partner some assets.