Arbutus Biopharm Stock Price, News & Analysis

On December 14, 2021, Antios Therapeutics and Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced the dosing of the first patient in a Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating a triple combination treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The study involves 40 patients and aims to assess the efficacy of Antios' ATI-2173 and Arbutus' AB-729 with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This combination therapy seeks to achieve a functional cure for HBV by reducing viral replication and antigens. Both companies express optimism regarding the therapeutic potential of this innovative combination.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) has formed a strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical for the development of AB-729, an RNA interference therapeutic aimed at treating hepatitis B in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Arbutus will receive an upfront payment of $40 million, with potential milestone payments of up to $245 million and double-digit royalties on sales. Qilu will handle all development and commercialization efforts, marking a significant opportunity for Arbutus to reach a large patient population in a lucrative market.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ: ABUS) announced the discovery of small molecules that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 nsp5 main protease, a significant target for COVID-19 treatment. This achievement marks a milestone in collaboration with X-Chem and Proteros, obtaining a worldwide exclusive license for these compounds. The parties aim to expedite the development of pan-coronavirus therapies. This discovery occurred just six months after initiating their agreement, highlighting Arbutus's commitment to effective antiviral treatments against COVID-19 and future outbreaks.

Arbutus Biopharma (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced promising preliminary data from its ongoing Phase 1a/1b trial of the capsid inhibitor AB-836, aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection. The trial indicates that AB-836 is generally safe and well-tolerated, showing robust antiviral activity with a significant mean drop in HBV DNA levels. No serious adverse events were reported among healthy subjects or cHBV patients. The study continues, with 16 cHBV patients dosed in Part 3, and more data is expected to be presented in 2022.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced the appointment of Dr. Tram Tran to its Board of Directors. Dr. Tran is a prominent liver and viral disease expert with over 20 years of experience in academia and industry. Previously, she held key roles at Gilead Sciences and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her expertise is expected to enhance Arbutus's efforts in developing a cure for chronic hepatitis B and treatments for coronaviruses. President and CEO William Collier expressed confidence that Dr. Tran's knowledge will be instrumental in advancing the company’s portfolio.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) has announced promising long-term safety and efficacy data for its lead compound, AB-729, in treating chronic Hepatitis B. Results from a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial show sustained suppression of HBsAg levels up to 28 weeks post-treatment in patients, with no significant differences between 60 mg and 90 mg dosages. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Continued analysis of the treatment's impact on nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy is anticipated, as the company aims to transform HBV treatment.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced its participation in the virtual fireside chat at the Jefferies London Healthcare Conference on November 18, 2021, at 8:00 am GMT / 3:00 am ET. Key executives, including CEO William Collier and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Michael Sofia, will present during the event. A webcast will be available through Arbutus' website, with a replay accessible after the conference. The company focuses on developing treatments for chronic hepatitis B virus and coronaviruses, leveraging a diverse pipeline aimed at innovative solutions.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) reported its Q3 2021 financial results, highlighting key developments in its hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment pipeline. The company has initiated a Phase 2a trial combining AB-729 with standard NA therapy and Peg-IFNα-2a, aiming for multiple data readouts in Q4 2021. Financially, Arbutus reported a net loss of $24.2 million, a slight increase from $21.8 million year-over-year. The company also extended its cash runway into Q2 2023, with $151.9 million in cash on hand as of September 30, 2021, amidst rising R&D expenses.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced the presentation of data on its GalNAc-siRNA, AB-729, at The Liver Meeting® 2021, occurring from November 12-15, 2021. The poster, titled "Low HBsAg levels maintained following cessation of the GalNAc-siRNA, AB-729," indicates that AB-729 is generally safe and demonstrates sustained HBsAg decline in chronic hepatitis B patients. Key findings show maintained HBsAg suppression in some patients for up to 20 weeks post-treatment.