Arbutus Biopharma Corporation - ABUS STOCK NEWS

Arbutus Biopharma (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced exciting clinical data at the Global Hepatitis Summit 2023 regarding their HBV treatments AB-729 and AB-161. Seven out of nine patients with chronic hepatitis B (cHBV) who were treated with AB-729 maintained low HBV DNA and HBsAg levels for over 1.5 years without needing nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. The treatment showed no adverse effects during follow-up. Additionally, AB-161 demonstrated strong anti-HBV activity in preclinical models, effectively reducing HBV RNA and HBsAg. Both AB-729 and AB-161 are positioned as pivotal components in developing a potential functional cure for cHBV. Ongoing Phase 2a clinical trials for AB-729 are set to report preliminary data this year.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced a verbal notification from the U.S. FDA that its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AB-101, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, has been placed on clinical hold. An official Clinical Hold letter is expected within 30 days, and as a result, Arbutus will not report initial data from the Phase 1 clinical trial in late 2023. AB-101 is designed to enhance the immune response in chronic HBV patients and could potentially lead to a functional cure when combined with other therapies. However, the company acknowledges the hold may impact the timing and future development of AB-101, adding uncertainty to its ongoing clinical programs.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) has announced its schedule for the first quarter 2023 financial results and corporate update, set for May 4, 2023. The press release will be available at 7:30 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call/webcast at 8:45 a.m. ET. Arbutus specializes in developing innovative therapeutics for viral diseases, focusing on Hepatitis B, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. The company is advancing its lead compound, AB-729, which is currently being tested in phase 2 clinical trials, and is also pursuing oral agents for coronaviruses. An archived webcast will be accessible on the company’s website after the event.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced two oral presentations at the Global Hepatitis Summit 2023 in Paris, scheduled for April 27, 2023. The presentations will cover significant findings related to the company's HBV research.

The first presentation focuses on AB-729, showcasing results from 48 weeks of therapy leading to substantial declines in HBsAg levels among patients. Follow-up data indicates sustained low HBV DNA levels even after therapy cessation.

The second presentation highlights AB-161, an oral HBV inhibitor displaying strong antiviral activity in preclinical studies. Both compounds aim to contribute toward a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.

Additionally, Arbutus is in multiple Phase 2a trials for AB-729, emphasizing the need for innovative treatments targeting HBV, which affects over 290 million people globally.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) and Genevant Sciences filed a lawsuit against Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX) in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, claiming patent infringement related to COVID-19 mRNA-LNP vaccines. The lawsuit seeks damages for the unlicensed use of patented lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technologies that are crucial for mRNA vaccine efficacy. Arbutus asserts that the rapid development of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccines depended on their patented technologies, which are vital for delivering mRNA safely and effectively. Arbutus intends to protect its intellectual property vigorously.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) has initiated the Phase 1 clinical trial for AB-161, an oral RNA destabilizer aimed at providing a functional cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The first subject has been dosed, and initial data is anticipated in the second half of 2023. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate safety and tolerability in healthy subjects, with unique cohorts receiving escalating doses. AB-161 targets host proteins involved in stabilizing HBV RNA, potentially leading to reduced viral replication and lower HBsAg levels.

Chronic HBV affects over 290 million globally, with significant unmet medical needs.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) presented preclinical data for AB-343, a novel oral SARS-CoV-2 M^pro inhibitor, at the 36th International Conference on Antiviral Research. AB-343 is designed as a ritonavir-free treatment for COVID-19 and shows promise against circulating variants. The drug exhibited potent antiviral activity (EC50 ~ 20nM) and superior binding characteristics compared to existing treatments like nirmatrelvir. Arbutus plans to advance AB-343 into IND-enabling studies, aiming for a Phase 1 clinical trial in H2 2023. These developments highlight Arbutus' commitment to tackling COVID-19 through innovative therapeutics.