Arbutus in up to $300M deal with Qilu in China for hepatitis B candidate; shares up 7%
Dec. 13, 2021 8:33 AM ETArbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS)
By: Jonathan M Block
, SA News Editor
Arbutus Biopharma (NASDAQ:ABUS) and Qilu Pharmaceutical have brokered a licensing agreement and partnership for the former's AB-729 for hepatitis B ("HBV") in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Terms call for Arbutus to receive $40M upfront and a $15M equity investment. The company is also eligible for milestone payments up to $245M, as well as double-digit tiered royalties up to the low twenties percent.
AB-729 is a RNAi therapeutic designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens.