Arbutus Advances Imdusiran; FDA Aligns On Phase 2b Trial Design
(RTTNews) - Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on infectious diseases, reported second-quarter 2026 financial results and corporate updates, highlighting progress with imdusiran for chronic hepatitis B, a strong financial position following its Moderna settlement, and ongoing LNP patent litigation.
Company Profile
Arbutus focuses on developing therapies for infectious diseases, including imdusiran (AB-729) and the oral PD-L1 inhibitor AB-101 for chronic hepatitis B (cHBV). The company also works with Genevant Sciences to protect its lipid nanoparticle (LNP) intellectual property.
Pipeline Update
Imdusiran for Chronic Hepatitis B
Arbutus received FDA Fast Track designation for imdusiran in April 2026 for the treatment of cHBV.
In May 2026, the company reached alignment with the FDA on the design and safety parameters of a proposed Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating imdusiran for cHBV. Arbutus plans to incorporate the FDA's feedback into the final Phase 2b protocol.
Prior Phase 2a studies showed functional cure in eight patients treated with imdusiran-based combinations, with six maintaining functional cure for more than two years.
LNP Patent Litigation
Arbutus and its exclusive licensee, Genevant Sciences, received approximately $178.4 million in July 2026 as Arbutus' share of the $950 million noncontingent Moderna settlement payment.
The company also filed three international lawsuits against Pfizer, BioNTech and certain affiliates in July 2026 to enforce patents covering its LNP technology across 21 countries.
Capital Return Program
Arbutus expects to begin returning capital to shareholders in Q3 2026 through potential repurchases of up to approximately $230 million of its common shares, subject to board approval and other conditions.
Q2 2026 Financial Results
For the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, Arbutus reported revenue of $1.0 million, compared with $10.7 million in Q2 2025. The decrease was primarily due to recognition of $9.6 million in previously deferred revenue in Q2 2025 following the conclusion of its Qilu partnership.
R&D expenses were $2.9 million, compared with $5.5 million in Q2 2025, primarily reflecting workforce reductions, discontinued in-house research and lower clinical trial costs.
G&A expenses were $3.9 million, compared with $3.3 million in the prior-year quarter.
Arbutus reported a net loss of $5.1 million, or $0.03 per share, compared with net income of $2.5 million, or $0.01 per share, in Q2 2025.
Cash Position
Arbutus held $92.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2026.
The company also received approximately $178.4 million from the Moderna settlement in July and expects a material dividend from its approximately 16% ownership stake in Genevant.
Business Update
Arbutus' FDA alignment on the proposed Phase 2b design and Fast Track designation represent key milestones for imdusiran's development in chronic hepatitis B.
The Moderna settlement has also strengthened the company's financial position, while ongoing patent litigation against Pfizer and BioNTech supports Arbutus' efforts to protect its LNP technology.
ABUS is trading at $4.61, down 1.20%.
