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
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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/
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