Let’s examine ASMB’s pipeline in chronological order.
The first HBV core inhibitor, VBR (f/k/a ABI-H0731), failed in a 2-drug combination with a nucleoside (#msg-159327881) and is now in various combination trials with external agents (#msg-157913492, #msg-166413748). These trials have a low chance of success (IMO) because VBR is a weak agent on its own, so there would need to be an astonishing degree of synergy for such combinations to provide a functional cure for HBV (the goal that all HBV companies are pursuing). All told, the VBR program looks like an example of Zebra’s Law.
Given all of the above, how much confidence do you think ASMB has in VBR, ABI-H3733, and even ABI-H3733?
Before ASMB was dedicated solely to HBV, they were pursuing a microbiome program. When they tried to sell the program, there were no takers so they just shut it down (#msg-160021063).
I picked ASMB in the SI Charity Contest because the valuation is so low (relative to cash on hand) and they might get lucky (#msg-167357264). The PR in #msg-167370549 summarizes 2022 news flow.