Vir Advances HBV, Flu Programs While Focused On COVID-19

Company Brought In Significant Cash Before And After Its IPO

Vir began pursuing immunological approaches to infectious diseases three years before its COVID-19 work. Its hepatitis B, flu and HIV clinical trials are delayed about six months due to coronavirus-related issues.

Vir Biotechnology Inc. launched an initial public offering in October to keep progressing its immunological approaches to infectious diseases, including two clinical programs to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) and prevent influenza A, and preclinical programs in HBV and HIV. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the company’s stock price surged as it put forward multiple programs and entered into partnerships to prevent and treat the novel coronavirus.

At $30.55 per share as of 21 April, Vir is trading 52.8% higher than its $20 IPO price and 151.4%...