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    Rona Ruiz

    Research Analyst at Leerink Partners

    Roanna Ruiz is Senior Managing Director and Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Leerink Partners, specializing in biopharma with a focus on cardiovascular, endocrine disorders, and infectious disease companies such as Xeris Biopharma, Akebia Therapeutics, CorMedix, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, and Vir Biotechnology. Over her career, she has developed a reputation for deep research insights, though specific performance metrics like average returns and published success rates are not publicly disclosed. Ruiz began her analyst career after earning a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell and a B.S. from Harvard, with prior equity research positions at UBS and H.C. Wainwright, industry consulting at IQVIA, and she joined Leerink Partners in 2018. She holds advanced academic credentials in biomedical engineering, further establishing her expertise in the healthcare investment sector.

    Rona Ruiz's questions to Vir Biotechnology (VIR) leadership

    Rona Ruiz's questions to Vir Biotechnology (VIR) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Maisie Alimohamed, on for Rona Ruiz of Leerink Partners, asked for Vir's view on the evolving competitive landscape in chronic hepatitis delta and the perceived advantages of its combination therapy for market positioning.

    Answer

    EVP & Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Eisner viewed Gilead's potential entry into the U.S. market as a positive, as it would help with physician education and testing. He emphasized Vir's compelling clinical case, with an expected viral suppression rate over 60% compared to 12% for bulevirtide. CEO Marianne De Backer added that more market entrants validate the unmet need and commercial opportunity. Dr. Eisner also highlighted the convenience of their monthly administration versus daily or weekly alternatives.

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