Assembly Biosciences, Inc - ASMB STOCK NEWS

Assembly Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company listed on Nasdaq under the symbol ASMB, has outlined its development pipeline for 2022, focusing on hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatments. Key milestones include sharing preliminary data from three Phase 2 studies of vebicorvir (VBR) and advancing ABI-H3733 and ABI-4334 clinical trials. The company aims to explore new antiviral mechanisms while managing risks related to clinical study timelines and financial resource allocation. The CEO expressed optimism about the company's strategy and research potential.

Assembly Biosciences (Nasdaq: ASMB) has announced the grant of stock options for 21,000 shares to three new employees, priced at $2.24 per share—the closing price on December 1, 2021. These stock options are intended as inducements for employment and have a ten-year term, vesting over four years. The grants were made outside of stockholder-approved plans, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), providing transparency in the induction process.

Assembly Biosciences (Nasdaq: ASMB) announced promising preclinical and clinical data at the AASLD conference. New core inhibitor candidate, ABI-4334, showed single-digit nanomolar potency against pgRNA encapsidation and cccDNA formation. Phase 1a study results for ABI-H3733 indicated favorable pharmacokinetics and safety, with Phase 1b planned for 2022. Additionally, vebicorvir (VBR) demonstrated enhanced viral suppression in combination with NrtIs. An oral presentation on VBR's role in HBV treatment is scheduled for November 14.

Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) reported Q3 2021 financial results, highlighting a net loss of $18.8 million, or $0.41 per share, compared to $3.3 million, or $0.09 per share, in Q3 2020. Revenue from collaborative research significantly declined to $6.3 million from $34.6 million year-over-year, primarily due to the discontinuation of the ABI-H2158 project. R&D expenses decreased to $18.5 million, reflecting the wind-down of the microbiome program. Assembly Bio aims to advance their core inhibitor ABI-4334 into clinical trials in 2022, and they have two ongoing Phase 2 studies involving their lead candidate vebicorvir (VBR).

Assembly Biosciences (Nasdaq: ASMB) announced its participation in the AASLD The Liver Meeting from November 12-15, 2021, featuring significant clinical data on its HBV core inhibitor program. The company will present findings from three studies: one oral presentation and two poster presentations, including a late-breaking poster on the preclinical candidate ABI-4334. The results aim to enhance the understanding of HBV and demonstrate the potential of core inhibitors for treating chronic HBV infection.

Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) and Antios Therapeutics announced a clinical collaboration to assess a triple combination treatment for chronic hepatitis B (HBV). The Phase 2a ANTT201 trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Antios’ ATI-2173, Assembly Bio’s vebicorvir (VBR), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in ten treatment-naive patients. The study aims to provide a functional cure for HBV, which affects approximately 270 million people globally, offering hope for improved treatment options.

Assembly Biosciences (Nasdaq: ASMB) announced its participation in two upcoming conferences focused on hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Science of HBV Cure Meeting 2021 will feature Dr. William Delaney presenting on novel capsid inhibitors on October 12. Additionally, CEO Dr. John McHutchison will participate in the H.C. Wainwright 2nd Annual HBV Conference on October 13. These engagements highlight Assembly Bio's commitment to advancing therapies for the estimated 270 million people living with HBV worldwide.

Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASMB) announced the grant of stock options to two new employees, allowing the purchase of 16,000 shares at an exercise price of $3.46, the closing price on October 1, 2021. These options have a ten-year term, vesting over four years, and are granted as inducements for accepting employment. The grants comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and are approved by the independent Compensation Committee. Assembly Bio focuses on developing innovative treatments for hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) announced the discontinuation of its ABI-H2158 development after observing elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in a Phase 2 trial, indicating drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Patient safety remains a priority, and the company will focus on advancing ongoing triple combination studies and developing other core inhibitor candidates. The Phase 2 study for ABI-H2158 involved 88 patients, with some suffering significant ALT elevations. The FDA has placed the drug on clinical hold. Assembly Bio aims to extend its cash runway into late 2023 while progressing promising pipeline assets.