Arbutus Biopharma

Arbutus Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Warminster, Pennsylvania, United States. The company is dedicated to developing a cure for patients with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) through combination therapies. Arbutus Biopharma has a dynamic portfolio of virology assets, with a pipeline focused on curing HBV. The company is conducting multiple Phase 2a clinical trials for imdusiran (AB-729), a subcutaneously-delivered RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic designed to reduce all HBV viral antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Imdusiran targets hepatocytes using a novel covalently conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology. Additionally, AB-101, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial. Arbutus Biopharma employs a three-pronged approach to HBV treatment: suppressing viral DNA, reducing viral antigens, and boosting the host’s immune response. The company has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement and strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize AB-729 in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. It also has a clinical collaboration agreement with Barinthus Biotherapeutics plc to evaluate the treatment of AB-729 in combination with Vaccitech’s proprietary immunotherapeutic, VTP-300. Furthermore, Arbutus Biopharma has an agreement with Roivant Sciences Ltd. to launch Genevant Sciences Ltd., focusing on RNA-based therapeutics enabled by the company’s lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and ligand conjugate delivery technologies. The company also has a license agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that provides royalty entitlements to Alnylam’s global net sales of ONPATTRO, the first FDA-approved application of the company’s LNP technology. Arbutus Biopharma has active clinical trials and compounds in clinical development focused on HBV and boasts a robust internal research capability that has yielded an impressive portfolio of assets for the treatment of viral diseases. The company is actively seeking collaborators and licensing opportunities within antiviral diseases.