ReViral Acquisition by Pfizer To Enhance Its Respiratory Syncytial Virus Therapeutic Portfolio

Pfizer has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ReViral, a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel antiviral therapeutics that target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The deal to acquire ReViral for a total consideration of up to $525 million includes upfront and development milestones. 

The acquisition would strengthen Pfizer’s infectious disease research and development capabilities with a complementary strategy to help improve patient outcomes through treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and prevent illness through vaccination. 

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Is A Global Cause of Concern

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is estimated to infect 64 million people leading to 95,000–150,000 deaths globally. RSV has two major antigenic groups of strains, A and B, and multiple genotypes within the two groups. 

Although the disease burden has made RSV a priority for vaccine development for over 50 years, a vaccine is still unavailable. The medical community is limited to offering only supportive care for those with the illness. 

The RSV genome is comprised of 10 genes that encode for 11 proteins. All the RSV proteins have played a role in designing one or more vaccines, though only two RSV proteins, F and G, induce in-vitro neutralizing antibodies.

ReViral and the Benefits of This Acquisition

A company founded by Dr. Ken Powell and Dr. Stuart Cockerill a decade ago with a mission to develop world-class therapies for RSV patients, ReViral has a portfolio of promising therapeutic candidates. One of the prime candidates- sisunatovir, is an orally administered inhibitor designed to block the fusion of the RSV virus to the host cell. Sisunatovir is currently in phase 2 clinical development in infants, and the development program is expected to continue in both adult and pediatric populations. A second program is focused on the inhibition of RSV replication targeting the viral N protein. The lead candidate in this program is currently in phase 1 clinical development. With this acquisition, Pfizer aims to expand its innovative anti-infective pipeline and utilizes the company’s R&D, manufacturing and commercialization expertise to address a significant unmet need for RSV treatments.  

“This acquisition represents a validation of the deep antiviral experience of the ReViral team and our unwavering commitment to deliver therapies for patients in need. Pfizer is an optimal partner given its commitment to RSV through their ongoing RSV vaccine program and world-class clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial capabilities. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Pfizer to bring these therapies to patients as quickly as possible.” said Alex C. Sapir, CEO, ReViral.

Author

Arvind C. Shekhar