Vir Biotechnology and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals are going to collaborate on a RNAi therapeutics targeting to SARS-CoV-2 genome. Alnylam screened over 350 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to decide on one candidate – VIR-2703 – to progress into pre-clinical development.
The partners are hoping to meet with the FDA to discuss an accelerated path for filing an investigational new drug application at around the end of 2020.
Vir CEO George Scangos said: “Vir is committed to applying industry-leading technologies in our fight against Covid-19.
“Our fruitful and expansive collaboration with Alnylam has rapidly led to identification of a development candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2.
“With this candidate now in hand, we will further accelerate our efforts and plan to begin studies in humans at or around year-end.
“Our ultimate goal would be to provide rapid worldwide access, if approved, to an effective therapeutic to combat Covid-19.”
