Arbutus Biopharma Corporation

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV). The company's approach involves identifying compounds with distinct mechanisms of action that can be combined to provide a functional cure for patients. Arbutus believes that successfully addressing cHBV requires suppressing HBV DNA, reducing surface antigen, and boosting HBV-specific immune responses. The company's pipeline includes two promising compounds: an RNAi therapeutic, imdusiran (AB-729), and an oral PD-L1 inhibitor, AB-101. Imdusiran has demonstrated significant clinical impact by reducing surface antigen levels and reawakening the HBV-specific immune response. Currently, imdusiran is undergoing Phase 2a combination clinical trials, while AB-101 is being evaluated in a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial. Overall, Arbutus brings extensive virology expertise to the development of potential treatments for cHBV. The company, established in 1992, operates in the Biopharma, Biotechnology, Health Care, and Pharmaceutical industries. Notably, Arbutus received a Post-IPO Equity investment on 30 December 2021. However, the specific details of the investors were not provided.