#China #Beijing #Virion Therapeutics #VRON-0200 #HBV Immunotherapy

Virion Therapeutics Unveils Groundbreaking Data on VRON-0200 at APASL 2025

In a significant development, Virion Therapeutics, a leading biotechnology firm, has reported promising clinical results for its innovative checkpoint modifier, VRON-0200, during the APASL 2025 Global Liver Meeting held in Beijing, China. This first-of-its-kind immunotherapy is aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Study Overview and Results

Presented by Professor Grace Wong, the study results showcased safety, tolerability, and notable immunogenicity of VRON-0200 in a Phase 1b clinical trial. The trial involved 27 patients with chronic HBV infection, all of whom were on nucleos(t)ide antiviral therapy. Participants received either a prime-only or a prime-and-boost intramuscular injection of VRON-0200.

The results indicated that VRON-0200 was well tolerated throughout the study, with no serious adverse events or significant laboratory abnormalities reported. Over 7,680 patient safety days, the findings showed compelling evidence of VRON-0200's potential to induce immune responses. Out of 24 patients monitored, 30% exhibited CD8+ T cell responses, with notable increases observed at both Day 28 and Day 91 following the injection.

Notably, some patients experienced a continued decline in Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels throughout the follow-up period, suggesting that VRON-0200 effectively triggers broader anti-HBV immune responses, even though it does not directly target HBsAg.

Expert Insights

Professor Wong emphasized the lack of adequate treatment options for chronic HBV patients, particularly those unable to achieve immune restoration.