Vir Biotechnology, Gilead Sciences to Develop Dual-Masked T-Cell Engagers for Solid Tumors

09:22 AM EDT, 10/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Vir Biotechnology (VIR) has signed a collaboration and license agreement with Gilead Sciences (GILD) to discover and develop three dual-masked T-cell engagers targeting solid tumors, the company said Wednesday. Under the agreement, Vir Biotechnology will discover, design and optimize the candidates using its PRO-XTEN masking technology, it said. Gilead will have an exclusive license to nominate candidates for further development and handle subsequent development, manufacturing and commercialization activities, Vir Biotechnology said. Vir Biotechnology will receive $90 million upfront, including $65 million in cash and a $25 million equity investment at a 30% premium, and could receive up to $45 million in potential near-term preclinical milestone payments, the company said. The agreement also includes up to $1.74 billion in potential development, regulatory and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties ranging from high single digits to low double digits on net sales, the company said. Shares of Vir Biotechnology were over 7% higher in Wednesday premarket activity.