Vir Biotechnology: Strengthening Best-in-Class HDV Profile with Robust SOLSTICE Data, Strategic Partnerships, and Sufficient Cash Runway Supporting Buy Rating

Patrick Trucchio, an analyst from H.C. Wainwright, reiterated the Buy rating on Vir Biotechnology. The associated price target remains the same with $15.00.

Patrick Trucchio has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors related to Vir Biotechnology’s clinical progress and competitive positioning in chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). He underscores that the latest 96-week SOLSTICE data show progressively stronger viral clearance with the combination of tobevibart and elebsiran, with a substantial majority of patients reaching undetectable HDV RNA over time. This dual approach, pairing a monoclonal antibody with an siRNA, appears essential for durable viral suppression, and when compared to the currently available therapy bulevirtide, Vir’s once-monthly subcutaneous regimen looks both more effective and more convenient for patients. These data, in his view, materially reduce development risk and reinforce the program’s best-in-class potential.
Trucchio also points to several catalysts that could unlock further value, starting with the earlier-than-expected Phase 3 ECLIPSE 1 readout now anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026. The completion of enrollment in ECLIPSE 3, the maintained timelines for ECLIPSE 2 and 3, and the sizable licensing deal with Norgine—featuring upfront cash, milestones, royalties, and cost sharing—collectively strengthen the financial and strategic footing of the HDV franchise. Beyond hepatitis delta, he notes that upcoming oncology data from the VIR-5500 and VIR-5818 T-cell engager programs, acquired from Sanofi and supported by the PRO-XTEN platform, represent additional upside opportunities. Combined with a cash runway that extends into late 2027, he believes Vir is sufficiently capitalized to reach key inflection points across its pipeline, justifying a continued Buy recommendation on the stock.

In another report released yesterday, Bank of America Securities also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $13.00 price target.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 50 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is negative on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders selling their shares of VIR in relation to earlier this year.