Arbutus chronic hepatitis B virus treatment shows antiviral activity in early-stage trial
Dec. 01, 2021 12:47 PM ETArbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS)MRNABy: Jonathan M Block, SA News Editor6 Comments
Hepatitis B virus on a white background. 3d illustration
urfinguss/iStock via Getty Images
Preliminary data from a phase 1 trial of Arbutus Biopharma's (ABUS +77.3%) AB-836 found that the drug was safe, well tolerated, and had robust antiviral activity against chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV).
The trial has completed two of three parts. The first evaluated alternating single doses of AB-836 from 10 mg to 175 mg or placebo, while the second evaluated multiple ascending doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg or placebo daily for 10 days in healthy patients.
No deaths or serious adverse events were observed in parts 1 and 2.
A third part is still ongoing in chronic HBV patients to receive either 50 mg or 100mg of AB-836 or placebo daily for 28 days.
Arbutus anticipates presenting data on part 3 next year.
Arbutus shares are surging today following a patent victory over Moderna (MRNA -9.9%).