Vir(US:VIR)2025-05-07 21:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - R&D expenses for Q1 2025 were $118.6 million, up from $100.1 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a $30 million payment to Alnylam and expenses related to the ECLIPSE program initiation [36] - SG&A expenses for Q1 2025 were CAD 23.9 million, down from CAD 36.3 million in Q1 2024, largely due to cost savings from headcount reductions [37] - Net loss for Q1 2025 was $121 million compared to a net loss of $65.3 million in Q1 2024, driven by a significant drop in revenue from $52 million to approximately $3 million [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hepatitis delta program has initiated the ECLIPSE Phase III program, with the first patient enrolled, marking a significant milestone [22] - The oncology portfolio continues to progress, with promising data from the Pro X10 dual masked T cell engager programs, particularly in HER2 positive colorectal cancer [15][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The estimated addressable market for hepatitis delta includes approximately 61,000 RNA positive patients in the U.S. and 113,000 in EU member countries plus the UK, highlighting the potential for significant commercial opportunity [10] - The company emphasizes that hepatitis delta has characteristics of a rare disease market with severe outcomes, supporting a value-based pricing model [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic focus remains on advancing both infectious disease and oncology programs, with a commitment to developing a new standard of care for hepatitis delta virus infection [8] - The company is exploring collaborations to maximize value from the Pro X10 platform and has advanced a broadly neutralizing antibody in its HIV cure program [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging market environment for the biotechnology sector but emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational excellence [20] - The company maintains a strong cash position of approximately $1 billion, providing a runway extending into mid-2027 to advance key programs [39] Other Important Information - The agreement with Alnylam regarding the profit-sharing arrangement has been clarified, with the company recognizing CAD 30 million as R&D expense in Q1 2025 [39] - The company is preparing for the upcoming EASL Congress to present data from its hepatitis B program and the Solstice trial [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Alnylam decision and future oncology updates - Alnylam opted out of the profit-sharing arrangement based on their strategic portfolio prioritization, prior to the latest HCV functional cure data being available [47] - Future oncology data updates will include mature data at higher dose levels and comparative data between dosing regimens, expected to be shared at medical congresses or focused investor events [46] Question: ECLIPSE study enrollment and timelines - The ECLIPSE one study aims to complete enrollment by the end of 2025, with ECLIPSE two having a 24-week endpoint [55] Question: Competitive positioning of T cell engagers - The company believes its dual mask technology offers a favorable safety profile and differentiates it from competitors, with a focus on convenience and quality of life for patients [60][62] Question: Functional cure rates and HBV program development - The company anticipates presenting data showing a 20% functional cure rate in the doublet and a 30% in the triplet at the upcoming EASL [77] - Further development of the HBV program is contingent on securing a global development and commercialization partner [78] Question: Changes in U.S. guidelines for HBV diagnosis - No changes have been made to U.S. guidelines for delta diagnosis, but there is hope for increased awareness and reflex testing in the future [101]