Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS)

[DewDiligence]

ABUS, VACC start phase-2a trial of AB-729 + VTP-300 + nuc in virologically-suppressed HBV patients:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/arbutus-vaccitech-dose-first-patient-113200730.html

The trial is designed to enroll 40 cHBV patients. All patients will receive AB-729 (60mg every 8 weeks) plus NA therapy for 24 weeks. At week 24, treatment with AB-729 will stop. Patients will continue only their NA therapy and will be randomized to receive either VTP-300 or placebo for an additional 24 weeks.

At week 48 all participants will be evaluated for eligibility to either discontinue or remain on NA therapy.

AB-729 is an RNAi; VT-300 in an immunotherapy whose phase-1b data (with and without Opdivo) were reported in Dec 2021 (#msg-167035175).

All told, I would describe the phase-2a trial now starting as a Hail Mary.