Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the immune system to transform the lives of patients living with serious infectious diseases and cancer. Headquartered in San Francsico (U.S.) and with a presence in Greater Zurich since the acquisition of Bellinzona-based Humabs BioMed AG in 2017, Vir Biotechnology is working on advancing antibody-based therapies that enhance the immune system’s ability to combat potentially life-threatening diseases.
Vir Biotechnology leverages the immense potential of the immune system to address critical unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. The company has established a robust foundation rooted in cutting-edge core scientific capabilities and a world-class team of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their R&D efforts. This foundation has enabled the discovery, engineering and development of antibody-based medicines for two of the greatest health challenges of our time.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vir Biotechnology discovered sotrovimab1, an antibody that offered vulnerable patients an option to reduce the risk of severe illness during a time when therapeutic choices were extremely limited. Similarly, with ansuvimab-zykl, Vir Biotechnology responded to the urgent need to address the high mortality and lack of effective treatments associated with Ebola, bringing new hope and improved outcomes to patients facing this deadly infection. Building on these successes, Vir Biotechnology continues to make significant strides in developing treatments for infectious diseases and has strategically expanded its approach to address critical indications in oncology with limited treatment options.
Vir Biotechnology’s pipeline is built on two technology platforms which enable the company to rapidly identify, optimize and advance candidates from concepts to the clinic: a next-generation discovery and engineering platform and the PRO-XTEN™2 masking technology. Vir Biotechnology’s portfolio includes clinical-stage programs for chronic hepatitis delta and multiple dual-masked T-cell engagers across validated targets in solid tumor indications, as well as preclinical programs across a range of infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.
A pole of innovation in the Greater Zurich Area
Vir Biotechnology acquired Humabs BioMed AG in 2017, establishing a footprint in Switzerland. In 2023, the company won the Swiss Biotech Success Stories Award for its contribution to the biopharmaceutical industry and to Switzerland.
After the acquisition of Humabs in 2017, Vir Biotechnology decided not only to keep the site in the Greater Zurich Area, but also to invest in it further. Vir Biotechnology's research activities are concentrated solely in the San Francisco and Bellinzona sites, and the company has a longstanding commitment to accelerating the innovation that is generated from Switzerland, underscoring the high scientific and operational capabilities of the team, the availability of talent and the vibrant biotech ecosystem in the region.
1GSK holds a marketing authorization for sotrovimab in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Bahrain, Great Britain (conditional), and Switzerland (conditional). In Japan, a Special Approval in Emergency has been granted. In addition, sotrovimab has a temporary/emergency use authorization in the UAE and Oman.
2PRO-XTEN™ is a trademark of Amunix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Sanofi company.
Biotech in the Greater Zurich Area
Biotech in the Greater Zurich Area
The Greater Zurich Area is a leading location for top biotech companies in Europe. The region attracts capital and researchers from across the globe and is home to some of the most innovative businesses in the world. Biotech companies in Greater Zurich can secure opportunities rarely seen in other places, e.g. from the flexible labor laws, a stable economic environment and a highly qualified workforce. Pharmaceutical companies also receive these benefits.
