WARMINSTER, PA — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a key player in advancing treatments for chronic hepatitis B (cHBV), outlined its progress in Q1 2025, showcasing pivotal clinical milestones, financial updates, and advancements in legal proceedings.
The company’s lead candidate, imdusiran (AB-729), continues to demonstrate promising results in the treatment of cHBV. To date, eight patients have achieved functional cure through imdusiran combination therapy. Notably, two of these patients achieved this milestone without the use of interferon. Clinical results highlighted at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress revealed that 25% of patients treated with imdusiran and additional immunotherapy achieved functional cure when starting with lower baseline HBV surface antigen levels.
“There are more than 250 million people suffering from cHBV globally. This type of functional cure data, in patients who successfully discontinued all cHBV treatments including NUCs, is an exciting milestone for Arbutus, clinicians, and patients,” said Lindsay Androski, President and CEO of Arbutus.
Arbutus also reported progress on AB-101, its oral PD-L1 inhibitor. Phase 1 trial data showed 100% receptor occupancy in 11 out of 13 healthy volunteers at a 40mg dose, with no adverse events or liver dysfunction reported across cohorts. The drug’s development is ongoing, with further studies targeting patients with cHBV.
Financially, Arbutus ended the quarter with $112.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, compared to $122.6 million as of year-end 2024. Quarterly revenue increased to $1.8 million, up from $1.5 million in Q1 2024, attributed to increasing revenue from collaboration agreements. The net loss for Q1 2025 totaled $24.5 million, or $0.13 per share, primarily due to restructuring efforts, including streamlining operations and exiting the corporate headquarters.
On the legal front, Arbutus continues to work with Genevant Sciences to defend its lipid nanoparticle technology patents. These technologies are integral to the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech. Litigation efforts include U.S. and international cases, with key court rulings expected later in 2025.
“Strengthening our leadership team and continuing to focus on our core programs position us well to advance our mission,” Androski added. “We remain committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions for cHBV and other serious conditions.”
With progress in its imdusiran and AB-101 programs, alongside its legal efforts and a focus on operational efficiencies, Arbutus Biopharma is poised to play a critical role in the treatment of cHBV, offering potential hope to millions worldwide.
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