Vir's lead SARS-CoV-2 mAb development candidates, VIR-7831 and VIR-7832, have demonstrated high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and are highly potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 in live-virus cellular assays, according to the companies.

Within the next three to five months, Vir plans to proceed directly into a phase II clinical trial. Samsung Biologics is expected to begin manufacturing as early as October. Commercial batches may be manufactured starting in 2021, according to the companies.

The approximately $362 million deal between the companies builds on Vir's previously announced manufacturing agreement with WuXi Biologics and its letter of intent with Biogen.

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