Vir Biotechnology: Marianne De Backer on Immuno-Oncology, Hepatitis Delta, and Biotech Turnarounds

In this episode of the IDEA Collider, host Mike Rea sits down with Marianne De Backer, CEO of Vir Biotechnology, to explore how she is leading one of biotech’s most complex transformations.  After the rapid rise and decline of COVID-19 revenues tied to sotrovimab, Marianne stepped into Vir Bio in 2023 and led a bold strategic reset—refocusing the company on immuno-oncology, infectious disease, and platform-driven innovation.  The conversation dives into Vir Bio’s next chapter, including its masked T-cell engager (TCE) pipeline and the PRO-XTEN® masking platform, which is designed to overcome the safety challenges of TCEs in the treatment of solid tumors by shielding therapies until they reach the tumor microenvironment.  They also discuss Vir Bio’s advancing hepatitis delta program, currently in registrational Phase 3 trials, and the company’s growing pipeline leveraging the synergy of its AI-driven discovery, protein engineering capabilities, and universal PRO-XTEN® masking technology.  Marianne shares what it takes to lead through a biotech downturn—from restructuring and capital discipline to rebuilding culture, integrating new teams, and positioning for long-term growth.  This episode is a deep dive into biotech turnaround strategy, next-generation cancer therapies, and leadership in times of uncertainty. Episode  Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction and Vir’s transformation story  00:40 – Marianne De Backer’s 30+ year pharma journey  02:42 – Vir’s origins and post-COVID strategic pivot  04:42 – Taking over as CEO during a crisis  06:33 – Lessons from the biotech downturn (“biotech winter”)  08:56 – Astellas partnership and T-cell engager strategy  09:52 – ProXtend platform: masked T-cell engagers explained  13:24 – Clinical data, safety, and tumor targeting  15:32 – Integrating new teams and scientific expertise  17:38 – Expanding the pipeline (HER2, EGFR, oncology)  19:50 – Hepatitis delta program and commercialization plans  22:11 – Funding strategy and biotech market outlook  25:37 – FDA interactions and regulatory perspective  28:13 – AI in drug discovery and clinical trials (Daisy platform)  31:34 – Culture: grit, ingenuity, collaboration, authenticity  34:21 – Personal reflections and leadership mindset  35:46 – Closing thoughts  Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!      Keep up with Marianne De Backer;  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-d-de-backer-msc-phd-mba-73403411/  Website: https://www.vir.bio/      Follow IDEA Pharma On;  Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idea-pharma   Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://ideacollider.simplecast.com/