and have expanded their multi-target infectious diseases alliance to include up to three targets for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
Host factors include angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), required for the virus to enter host cells. The third target is expected to be identified from Vir鈥檚 research on functional genomics.
Vir and Alnylam aim to develop and commercialise RNAi therapeutics for the viral infection.
Last month, the companies announced plans to work together on new therapeutics for Covid-19.
As part of the expanded partnership, Alnylam鈥檚 recent findings on lung delivery of siRNA conjugates will be combined with Vir鈥檚 infectious disease expertise.
The companies hope that the three new host factor-targeting development candidates will be directed to SARS-CoV-2 and also other coronaviruses.
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By GlobalDataVir Biotechnology CEO George Scangos said: 鈥淰ir is aggressively pursuing multiple platforms and multiple therapeutic strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淲e are excited about our partnership with Alnylam 鈥� which has already led to the identification of promising siRNAs targeting SARS-CoV-2 鈥� and we鈥檙e pleased to now expand our efforts to evaluate the anti-viral effects of siRNAs targeting human host factors.鈥�
Alnylam already designed and synthesised more than 350 siRNAs said to act on ‘highly conserved regions’ of the novel coronavirus genome.
Scientists at the company have identified lead siRNAs, currently under assessment at Vir for potential anti-viral activity in line with development candidates鈥� selection.
After selecting development candidates, Vir will be responsible for development and will work with Alnylam to gather the data required for quick progress into clinical studies.
