Arbutus Biopharma Corp (NASDAQ: ABUS) has announced that it has recently joined hands with Antios Therapeutics. The two companies have entered into a clinical collaboration is to evaluate a triple combination of Arbutus’ proprietary GalNAc delivered RNAi therapeutic, AB-729, Antios’ proprietary active site polymerase inhibitor nucleotide (ASPIN), ATI-2173, and Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), for the treatment of individuals who are suffering from the chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.
A clinical trial will be performed as part of the clinical partnership
As part of the medical partnership, a clinical trial will be run to evaluate the ATI-2173, AB-729 and Viread, combined in a single cohort in the ongoing Antios Phase 2a ANTT201 clinical trial. The multi-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose cohort will analyze the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and antiviral activity of the combination of ATI-2173, AB-729, and Viread.
The two companies have an equal responsibility to play as per the agreement
According to the agreement, Arbutus Biopharma Corp will take responsibility for making and supplying AB-729 on the one hand. On the other hand, the entire cost of adding this single cohort to its ongoing clinical trial will be borne by Antios Therapeutics.
The partnership is a boon in treating HBV
Arbutus Biopharma Corp partnering with Antios Therapeutics is an advantage in treating HBV infection. The companies are committed to evaluating the AB-729 in combination with ATI-2173 in patients suffering from Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection. While Antios Therapeutics is involved in developing innovative therapies to treat and cure viral diseases, Arbutus Biopharma Corp works towards discovering, developing, and commercializing a cure for people with chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection can result in death
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection can result in the death of the patient. The life-threatening liver infection caused by HBV leads to higher death compared to patients who are suffering from cirrhosis and liver cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, more than 250 million people suffer from chronic HBV infection. If numbers are to be believed, in the U.S. alone, around 2 million people suffer from HBV infection.