Arbutus Biopharma Showcases Significant Research at EASL Congress 2025
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation has announced the acceptance of five abstracts for presentation at the EASL Congress 2025, which will take place in Amsterdam from May 7 to 10, 2025. This includes a notable late-breaker abstract, emphasizing the company’s advancements in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Key Abstracts Address Hepatitis B Treatments
The accepted abstracts will focus on important developments in hepatitis B therapies. Among the findings, researchers will present data on factors contributing to functional cure rates after treating patients with imdusiran and pegylated interferon. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AB-101, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor, will be discussed. The late-breaker abstract will cover the antiviral efficacy and safety of imdusiran in patients with virally suppressed CHB. These abstracts will be accessible online at the onset of the congress.
Potential Positive Developments
- Acceptance of five abstracts at a prestigious international venue underscores ongoing innovation in hepatitis treatment.
- The inclusion of a late-breaker abstract suggests the presentation of significant and timely data, likely to attract interest from the medical community.
- Research findings regarding functional cure rates and safety profiles of Arbutus’ therapies could boost the company’s reputation in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Collaborations with noted researchers enhance the credibility and potential of Arbutus’ drug candidates, possibly inviting future partnerships or investments.
Concerns to Consider
- While five abstracts were accepted, the emphasis on early-stage clinical results might raise questions about the drugs’ long-term efficacy and safety.
- The press release alludes to risks associated with clinical trials, indicating potential delays or increased costs, which could affect investor confidence.
- Ongoing reviews of development plans might reflect an uncertain strategic direction, potentially impacting market perception and position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the accepted abstracts for the EASL Congress 2025?
The acceptance of five abstracts, including a notable late-breaker, underscores Arbutus Biopharma’s contributions to hepatitis B research and therapy advancements.
When and where is the EASL Congress 2025 being held?
The event is scheduled from May 7 to 10, 2025, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
What is imdusiran and its relevance in hepatitis B treatment?
Imdusiran is an RNAi therapeutic aimed at reducing HBV viral proteins, potentially leading to functional cures for chronic hepatitis B.
Who will present the posters at the EASL Congress 2025?
Notable presenters include Prof. Man-Fung Yuen and Dr. Emily P. Thi, who are expected to provide key insights on hepatitis B research.
How can I access the abstracts presented at the EASL Congress?
Abstracts will be available on the EASL Congress 2025 website, and subsequently on Arbutus’ website after the event.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
$ABUS Insider Trading Activity
Insiders at $ABUS have engaged in stock transactions four times over the past six months, with all trades consisting of sales (0 purchases).
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- MICHAEL J. MCELHAUGH (Interim President & CEO) sold 23,790 shares for approximately $78,102.
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$ABUS Hedge Fund Activity
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Some of the notable changes include:
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Full Release
Five abstracts accepted for poster presentations
WARMINSTER, Pa., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) (“Arbutus” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on infectious disease, today announced that five abstracts, including one late-breaker, have been accepted for presentation at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025 taking place May 7 – 10, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The following abstracts will be presented as posters in the Viral Hepatitis B and D: New Therapies, Unapproved Therapies or Strategies session on May 8, 2025, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CET.
Abstract Number:
1768
Title:
IM-PROVE I: characterization of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) subjects with functional cure or HBV DNA suppression after completion of imdusiran plus short courses of pegylated interferon alfa-2a (IFN) and discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy
Presenter:
Prof. Man-Fung Yuen
Presentation Date:
May 8, 2025
Recent Advances in Chronic Hepatitis B Research Revealed at EASL 2025
Key Findings:
A small group of subjects in the IM-PROVE I study achieved functional cure or HBV DNA levels below the limit of quantification (LLOQ) after discontinuing treatment. The baseline HBsAg levels and time of measurement appear to be the only factors associated with functional cure. No significant differences were noted in other characteristics or HBV biomarkers, including HBcrAg RNA. Ongoing analysis of this dataset aims to evaluate potential associations further in larger trials.
This research will also feature in the Poster Tour: Viral Hepatitis on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 16:22 CEST. For more details, visit Pivot and Flow Daily.
Abstract Number: 2043
Title: IM-PROVE I: Rapid loss followed by transient increases in HBV RNA in chronic hepatitis B subjects during treatment with imdusiran and pegylated interferon alfa-2a is associated with HBsAg seroclearance.
Presenter: Dr. Emily P. Thi
Presentation Date: May 8, 2025
Key Findings: Subjects who reached a functional cure after receiving imdusiran combined with interferon demonstrated a rapid decline in HBV RNA during the imdusiran lead-in phase. Five out of six subjects achieved undetectable HBV RNA levels during this period. Transient elevations in HBV RNA were noted during the interferon treatment phase, correlating with further HBsAg decline and loss in some of the functional cure subjects.
Abstract Number: 1990
Title: First-in-human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor AB-101 and correlation to preclinical models.
Presenter: Dr. Emily P. Thi
Presentation Date: May 8, 2025
Key Findings: AB-101 demonstrated safety and tolerability in both single- and multiple-dose administrations. Observations indicated dose-responsive increases in PD-L1 receptor occupancy in peripheral blood cells, corresponding with dose-dependent increments in AB-101 plasma concentrations. The generated clinical plasma pharmacokinetic profile suggests rapid distribution into tissues, reflecting similar profiles seen in preclinical efficacy models, particularly in the liver.
Abstract Number: 1978
Title: Preliminary safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of AB-101, a small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor, in healthy and chronic hepatitis B subjects.
Presenter: Prof. Edward J. Gane
Presentation Date: May 8, 2025
Key Findings: Single doses of AB-101 up to 40 mg, as well as repeat doses for seven days, were well tolerated among healthy participants. Preliminary pharmacodynamic data indicated receptor occupancy at doses ≥ 10 mg, with dose-responsive increases noted. Dosing for Part 3 in chronic hepatitis B subjects is ongoing, and data on receptor occupancy and HBV viral biomarkers will be shared.
Upcoming Late-Breaker Presentation:
Abstract Number: LB25153
Title: Off-treatment antiviral efficacy and safety of repeat dosing of imdusiran followed by VTP-300 with or without nivolumab in virally-suppressed, non-cirrhotic subjects with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Presenter: Dr. Grace Lai-Hung Wong
The abstracts will be available on the EASL Congress 2025 website at
https://www.easlcongress.eu/
Posters will be accessible to conference attendees starting May 7, 2025, and will subsequently be available on Arbutus’ website at
https://www.arbutusbio.com/publications/.
About Imdusiran (AB-729):
Imdusiran is an RNAi therapeutic designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This reduction is critical for re-engaging the immune response to the virus. The therapy targets liver cells using Arbutus’ novel delivery technology for subcutaneous administration. In a Phase 2a clinical trial, imdusiran demonstrated meaningful functional cure rates when combined with pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. So far, clinical data suggest that imdusiran is generally safe and well tolerated, resulting in significant reductions in HBsAg and hepatitis B DNA levels. The company is reviewing plans for a Phase 2b clinical trial of imdusiran alongside interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.
About AB-101:
AB-101 is an oral PD-L1 inhibitor designed to enable controlled immune checkpoint blockade while limiting systemic safety concerns associated with antibody therapies. Immune checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1 are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and T-cell activation. Preclinical evidence suggests that AB-101 can reactivate exhausted HBV-specific T-cells in chronic hepatitis B patients. Currently, AB-101 is being evaluated in a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial.
About HBV:
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can lead to chronic infection, significantly increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection represents a substantial unmet medical need globally. The World Health Organization estimates over 250 million individuals are affected by chronic HBV, while around 2 million live in the United States. Consequently, approximately 1.1 million people die annually due to complications from chronic HBV, despite effective vaccines and available treatments.
Forward-Looking Statements and Information:
This press release contains forward-looking statements under various securities laws, including those about the potential for achieving a functional cure for HBV and the outlook for Arbutus’ pipeline and clinical programs. These statements reflect numerous assumptions made by Arbutus regarding the efficacy and timing of clinical advancements.
Arbutus Highlights Risks Surrounding Clinical Trials and Market Conditions
Arbutus Biopharma emphasizes several critical assumptions underlying its outlook. These include the status of clinical trials, the speed of regulatory approvals, and ongoing demand for its assets. The company considers these assumptions reasonable; however, they are subject to numerous uncertainties across business, economic, competitive, market, and social landscapes. Additionally, known and unknown risks may lead to significant deviations between Arbutus’ actual outcomes and the expectations set by forward-looking statements.
Among the known risks are concerns that ongoing and expected clinical trials could incur higher costs or take more time than projected, potentially leading to delays in initiation, completion, or the generation of favorable results for future development of candidates. Furthermore, Arbutus might reassess its strategies regarding product candidates and clinical activities. There is also the possibility that necessary regulatory approvals for clinical development may not be secured. Compounding these factors, broader economic conditions might deteriorate, prompting necessary adjustments to the company’s strategic focus.
For a deeper understanding of the various risks and uncertainties faced by Arbutus, please refer to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These documents, along with continuous and periodic disclosures, are available at:
www.sedar.com
and at:
www.sec.gov
All forward-looking statements made in this article are limited by this cautionary statement. Arbutus disclaims any responsibility to update or amend these statements based on future results or events unless required by law.
This article was originally published on Quiver News. Read the full story.
The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
