Arbutus Biopharma Corporation develops infectious-disease therapeutics centered on chronic hepatitis B, including imdusiran (AB-729), a GalNAc-conjugated RNAi therapeutic, and AB-101, an oral PD-1 inhibitor. News for ABUS commonly covers clinical data, regulatory designations such as FDA Fast Track for imdusiran, scientific-meeting abstracts, and corporate updates tied to the company’s cHBV programs.
Recurring coverage also includes financial results, capital-allocation updates, licensing revenue from lipid nanoparticle technology, and intellectual-property developments involving Arbutus and its licensee Genevant Sciences. The company’s LNP delivery technology and related patent matters are a recurring business theme alongside its clinical-stage antiviral pipeline.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) reported its Q4 and year-end 2021 results, highlighting a net loss of $88.4 million, or $0.83 per share. The company has $191 million in cash and investments, compared to $123 million in 2020. Notably, it anticipates key clinical trial data for its HBV therapies later this year. Arbutus plans to advance several compounds, including AB-101 and AB-161, into IND-enabling studies and filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Moderna regarding its COVID-19 vaccine. The company expects a cash burn of $90-$95 million in 2022.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) and Genevant Sciences have filed a lawsuit against Moderna (Nasdaq: MRNA) for patent infringement regarding their mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, MRNA-1273. The patents in question cover nucleic acid-lipid particles and related technologies. Arbutus CEO, William Collier, emphasized they are not seeking to halt vaccine sales but are pursuing compensation for their patented technology, crucial for vaccine success. Additionally, a previous court ruling upheld the validity of the patents involved, posing potential ongoing challenges for Moderna.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced it will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2021 financial results on March 3, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 8:45 a.m. ET. The company focuses on developing therapeutics for viral diseases, including ongoing clinical trials for its lead compound, AB-729, targeting Hepatitis B virus. A live webcast will be available on Arbutus' investor website, and an archived version will be accessible after the event.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ: ABUS) announced its 2022 objectives and financial status, highlighting anticipated clinical data readouts for its HBV candidates AB-729 and AB-836. The company completed IND-enabling studies for oral therapies AB-101 and AB-161. Significant cash reserves amounting to $191 million provide a runway into Q2 2024. CEO William Collier emphasized the importance of this year for HBV research, with multiple clinical trials underway and results expected to further support Phase 2b development.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced its participation in the H.C. Wainwright Bioconnect Virtual Conference from January 10-13, 2022. The virtual fireside chat will feature key executives including William Collier (President and CEO) and Dr. Michael Sofia (Chief Scientific Officer). The chat will start at 7:00 am EST on January 10, 2022, with a webcast available on Arbutus' website. Arbutus is focused on developing therapies for chronic hepatitis B and coronaviruses, including COVID-19.
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.