Description

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company operating in the United States, focuses on the discovery and development of novel therapies for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. Central to its HBV product portfolio is AB-729, an innovative RNA interference product candidate delivered subcutaneously. Currently undergoing Phase Ia/Ib clinical trials, AB-729 is engineered to target hepatocytes, effectively inhibiting viral replication and reducing various HBV antigens through its unique covalently conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology. Another promising HBV compound is AB-836, an oral capsid inhibitor designed to suppress HBV DNA replication. The company's research and development initiatives further include AB-161, an oral HBV RNA destabilizer intended to decrease HBsAg and other viral proteins by destabilizing HBV RNA. Additionally, AB-101 is an oral PD-L1 inhibitor aimed at re-engaging patients' HBV-specific immune responses. Arbutus is also pursuing small molecule antiviral drugs to treat coronaviruses, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. Arbutus Biopharma engages in various strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and research collaborations with partners such as Talon Therapeutics, Inc., Gritstone Oncology, Inc., Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Qilu Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd., Assembly Biosciences, Inc., Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc., and Antios Therapeutics, Inc. A clinical collaboration agreement with Vaccitech plc is also in place to evaluate AB-729 within a triple combination treatment for chronic HBV infection. Headquartered in Warminster, Pennsylvania, the company was previously known as Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, adopting its current name, Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, in July 2015.