Vir Biotechnology's MARCH Study Shows Promise for Hepatitis B Functional Cure
Key Insights
Vir Biotechnology's MARCH Phase 2 study reveals promising rates of hepatitis B (search) surface antigen (HBsAg) loss with tobevibart and elebsiran combinations.
Participants with low baseline HBsAg showed seroclearance, suggesting potential for a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (search).
The combination regimens also appear to re-ignite the immune system, producing antibodies to control the virus.
Vir Biotechnology has announced positive end-of-treatment data from Part B of its MARCH Phase 2 clinical study, evaluating combinations of tobevibart and elebsiran, with or without pegylated interferon alfa (search), in patients with chronic hepatitis B (search). The results indicate promising rates of hepatitis B (search) surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, also known as seroclearance, particularly in participants with low baseline HBsAg levels. These findings support the continued development of these combinations as a potential path to achieving a functional cure for the disease.
The MARCH study assessed the efficacy and safety of tobevibart and elebsiran, both individually and in combination. The data revealed that the combination regimens led to significant HBsAg loss in a subset of patients. This is a key indicator of potential functional cure, where the virus is suppressed to the point where it is no longer detectable, and the immune system can control the infection.
Key Findings and Future Directions
Mark Eisner, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Vir Biotechnology, stated, "The MARCH data suggests that tobevibart and elebsiran can clear HBsAg and re-ignite the immune system, producing antibodies to potentially keep the virus under control." He further added that the company is eagerly awaiting the functional cure data in 2025, which will be decisive for the next steps of clinical development.
The detailed data from the MARCH study will be presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting on November 18. Vir Biotechnology will also host an investor conference call on November 19 to discuss the results further.
Implications for Hepatitis B Treatment
Chronic hepatitis B (search) affects millions worldwide and can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Current treatments can suppress the virus but rarely lead to a functional cure. The MARCH study results offer hope for a finite treatment regimen that could achieve this goal, potentially transforming the management of chronic hepatitis B.