WARMINSTER, PA — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) announced it has reacquired full global rights to its lead RNAi compound, imdusiran, following the conclusion of its strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical. After a mutual agreement to terminate the partnership, Arbutus regains rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize imdusiran in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
“I would like to express our deepest thanks to the executive leadership and team at Qilu for the collaborative and fruitful partnership we have enjoyed over the last several years,” said Lindsay Androski, President and CEO of Arbutus. “The conclusion of this partnership reflects Qilu’s pipeline reprioritization efforts and Arbutus’ renewed focus on advancing our pipeline efficiently.”
Imdusiran, a cutting-edge RNAi therapeutic, is designed to reduce all hepatitis B viral proteins and antigens. Its clinical development to-date has demonstrated significant potential, with eight patients achieving functional cure during Phase 2a trials under combination therapy.
Dr. Weikang Tao, global R&D head at Qilu Pharmaceutical, praised the collaboration, stating, “We greatly appreciate the collaboration, efforts, and support of both Arbutus and Qilu’s project teams for the development of imdusiran in Greater China. We wish Arbutus every success in further advancing the development of imdusiran.”
New Scientific Advisory Board
Arbutus is further advancing its efforts in addressing chronic hepatitis B (cHBV) with the formation of a new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Composed of global leaders in liver disease and virology, the SAB will provide strategic guidance as the company evaluates its cHBV pipeline.
The advisory board includes esteemed medical professionals such as Dr. Jordan J. Feld (University of Toronto), Dr. Edward J. Gane (University of Auckland), Dr. Anna Suk-Fong Lok (University of Michigan), Dr. Mark Sulkowski (Johns Hopkins University), and Dr. Man-Fung Yuen (University of Hong Kong). Each expert brings extensive experience in clinical research, including breakthroughs in viral hepatitis therapies and advancing curative approaches for hepatitis B.
The SAB formation highlights Arbutus’ commitment to leveraging top scientific expertise as the company refines its strategic approach to cHBV treatments.
Tackling a Global Challenge
Hepatitis B continues to represent a significant health challenge, with over 250 million people worldwide suffering from chronic infection, according to the World Health Organization. Despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral treatments, cHBV remains a leading cause of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer, claiming an estimated 1.1 million lives annually.
With its reacquisition of imdusiran rights and the launch of the SAB, Arbutus aims to drive innovations that address the unmet medical needs of patients globally.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.