Benzinga | Jun 28, 2021 06:55AM EDT

Arbutus Biopharma Stock Jumps On Encouraging Data From Hepatitis B Candidate

* Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) announced the presentation of five abstracts at the European Association for the Study of the Liver International Liver Congress for AB-729 in chronic hepatitis B and AB-836 programs.

* AB-729 demonstrated robust mean HBsAg reduction across all doses and dosing intervals with a favorable safety and tolerability profile, followed by a sustained plateau phase.

* AB-729, dosed at 60 mg every eight weeks, achieved a mean HBsAg (surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus) decline of -1.87 log10 IU/mL at week 44, comparable to 60 mg dosed every four weeks.

* AB-729 resulted in HBsAg declines below 100 IU/ml in 75% of treated subjects and increased HBV-specific immune responses in 3/5 evaluable subjects.

* AB-729 was generally safe and well-tolerated.

* Arbutus will hold a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 AM E.T.

* Price Action: ABUS shares are up 13.1% at $3.81 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.