Morgan Stanley analysts suggest that recent Phase 1a data from Janux Therapeutics regarding JANX007 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) offers a positive outlook for Vir Biotechnology's masked T-cell engager (TCE) pipeline. This assessment comes as Vir Biotechnology prepares to release initial Phase 1 monotherapy data from its VIR-5818 and VIR-5500 programs in Q1 2025.
The Janux data, which demonstrated promising results in mCRPC, has led Morgan Stanley to believe that Vir's TCE pipeline may also yield favorable outcomes. T-cell engagers are a class of immunotherapeutic agents designed to redirect T cells to kill cancer cells. Vir Biotechnology's approach involves masked TCEs, which are designed to be activated specifically in the tumor microenvironment, potentially reducing off-target toxicities and improving efficacy.
Vir Biotechnology is expected to present initial Phase 1 monotherapy data from VIR-5818 and VIR-5500 in the first quarter of 2025. These early-stage trials will provide critical insights into the safety and preliminary efficacy of Vir's masked TCEs. Morgan Stanley currently has an Equal Weight rating and a $10 price target on Vir shares.
