WARMINSTER, PA — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) recently reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and disclosed a global settlement with Moderna valued at up to $2.25 billion, the company announced.
The settlement, reached with licensee Genevant Sciences, includes $950 million in upfront payments expected in July 2026 and up to $1.3 billion in contingent milestone payments tied to ongoing litigation outcomes.
The agreement resolves patent disputes related to lipid nanoparticle technology used in drug delivery. Arbutus said it will receive 20% of the upfront payment after costs and holds an equity stake of about 16% in Genevant.
The company said additional litigation involving Pfizer and BioNTech over similar technology remains ongoing.
Arbutus reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $91.5 million as of December 31, 2025, down from $122.6 million a year earlier.
Total revenue for 2025 was $14.1 million, compared to $6.2 million in 2024, driven by the recognition of deferred revenue following the conclusion of a partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical.
The company reported a net loss of $33.5 million for 2025, compared to $69.9 million the previous year.
Research and development expenses decreased to $25.2 million from $54.0 million, while general and administrative expenses declined to $15.9 million from $22.1 million, reflecting cost reductions and restructuring efforts.
Arbutus said two additional patients in its Phase 2a clinical trials of imdusiran achieved a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, bringing the total to 10 patients.
The company also reported receiving a milestone payment related to its lipid nanoparticle licensing agreement with Alnylam for a treatment targeting hepatocellular carcinoma.
Arbutus said it is evaluating a potential return of capital to shareholders in the third quarter of 2026, contingent on receiving proceeds from the Moderna settlement.
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