On November 5, 2020 Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on developing a cure for people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as therapies to treat coronaviruses (including COVID-19), reported its third quarter 2020 financial results and provides a corporate update (Press release, Arbutus Biopharma, NOV 5, 2020, View Source [SID1234570023]).
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William Collier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbutus, stated, "Arbutus is focused on discovering and developing a functional cure with a finite treatment duration for chronic HBV by developing a combination of agents, with different mechanisms of action, that target distinct parts of the virus lifecycle. To this end, we continue to make steady progress in our ongoing Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of our lead clinical candidate, AB-729, a subcutaneously delivered RNAi agent. AB-729 is currently being dosed in chronic HBV subjects in four multi-dose cohorts using both the 60 mg dose every 4- and 8-weeks and the 90 mg dose every 8- and 12-weeks."
"Based upon the clinical data generated thus far, AB-729 has demonstrated meaningful reductions in HBsAg with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. We look forward to presenting additional results from the ongoing Phase 1a/1b clinical trial as part of an oral presentation at the upcoming AASLD conference in November."
Pipeline Update
AB-729
Arbutus is currently conducting a single- and multi-dose Phase 1a/1b clinical trial to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AB-729 in healthy subjects and in subjects with chronic HBV infection.
Arbutus is currently dosing two 60 mg multi-dose cohorts of subjects with chronic HBV infection with dosing intervals of every four and eight weeks, respectively. Results from the 60 mg multi-dose cohort with a dosing interval of every four weeks and additional follow-up data on the 60 mg and 90 mg single-dose cohorts are expected to be disclosed as part of an oral presentation at the upcoming AASLD conference in November.
Separately, results from the 60 mg multi-dose cohort with a dosing interval of every eight weeks and a 90 mg single-dose cohort in HBV DNA positive subjects are expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.
In September 2020, Arbutus reported additional data from its ongoing Phase 1a/1b clinical trial for AB-729. The clinical data generated thus far demonstrate the robust activity of AB-729 and, at week 12, the 60 mg and 90 mg single-doses achieved meaningful reductions in HBsAg while remaining generally safe and well tolerated.
Arbutus is also currently dosing two 90 mg multi-dose cohorts of subjects with dosing intervals of every eight and twelve weeks, respectively.
AB-836: Oral Capsid Inhibitor
In January 2020, Arbutus selected AB-836 as its next-generation oral capsid inhibitor. AB-836 is from a novel chemical series differentiated from competitor compounds with the potential for increased efficacy and an enhanced resistance profile. Arbutus continues to expect completion of CTA/IND-enabling studies by the end of 2020.
Early HBV R&D Programs
Arbutus’ drug discovery efforts are focused on follow-on compounds for its current HBV pipeline, including the development of oral RNA-destabilizers that have shown compelling antiviral effects in multiple HBV preclinical models. Arbutus is now focused on advancing through lead optimization next-generation oral RNA-destabilizers with chemical scaffolds distinct from Arbutus’ prior generation HBV RNA destabilizer candidate. Arbutus also has several oral anti-PD-L1 inhibitors in lead optimization that are potentially capable of reawakening the immune response to HBV in infected patients.
Clinical Collaboration with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.
In August 2020, the Company entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (Assembly) to evaluate Arbutus’ AB-729 clinical candidate in combination with Assembly’s lead hepatitis B virus (HBV) core/capsid inhibitor candidate vebicorvir (VBR) and standard-of-care nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NrtI) therapy for the treatment of patients with chronic HBV infection. This collaboration will include a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase 2 clinical trial that will explore the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of the triple combination of AB-729, VBR, and an NrtI compared to the double combinations of VBR with an NrtI and AB-729 with an NrtI. This trial is expected to initiate in the first half of 2021 and enroll approximately 60 virologically-suppressed patients with chronic HBV infection.
Dr. Gaston Picchio, Chief Development Officer of Arbutus, stated, "This clinical collaboration in which both companies share expertise and costs has the potential to provide proof of concept data regarding the safety and efficacy of combining two promising drug candidates and to expedite efforts to advance a much needed HBV treatment regimen."
Research Efforts to Combat COVID-19 and Future Coronavirus Outbreaks
Based on its extensive antiviral drug discovery experience, Arbutus has established an internal research program to identify new small molecule antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks. This effort, led by Dr. Michael Sofia, Arbutus’ Chief Scientific Officer, is focused on the discovery and development of new molecular entities that address specific viral targets including the nsp12 viral polymerase and the nsp5 viral protease. These targets are essential viral proteins which Arbutus has experience in targeting. Arbutus has also joined forces with the COVID R&D consortium to further support and expedite efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genevant Sciences Ltd. Update
On July 31, 2020, Genevant Sciences Ltd. (Genevant) was recapitalized through an equity investment and conversion of previously issued convertible debt securities held by Roivant Sciences Ltd. (Roivant), Arbutus’ largest shareholder. Arbutus participated in the recapitalization of Genevant with an equity investment of $2.5 million. Following the recapitalization, Arbutus owns approximately 16% of the common equity of Genevant. Arbutus’ entitlement to receive future royalties or sublicensing revenue from Genevant remains unchanged.
As previously disclosed, in April 2018 Arbutus entered into an agreement with Roivant to launch Genevant, a company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of a broad range of RNA-based therapeutics enabled by Arbutus’ lipid nanoparticle ("LNP") and ligand conjugate delivery technologies. Arbutus licensed exclusive rights to its LNP and ligand conjugate delivery platforms to Genevant for RNA-based applications outside of HBV, except to the extent certain rights had already been licensed to other third parties
COVID-19 Impact
In December 2019 an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China. This virus continues to spread globally, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and has spread to nearly every country in the world. The impact of this pandemic has been, and will likely continue to be, extensive in many aspects of society. The pandemic has resulted in and will also likely continue to result in significant disruptions to businesses. A number of countries and other jurisdictions around the world have implemented extreme measures to try and slow the spread of the virus. These measures include the closing of businesses and requiring people to stay in their homes, the latter of which raises uncertainty regarding the ability to travel to hospitals in order to participate in clinical trials. Additional measures that have had, and will likely continue to have, a major impact on clinical development, at least in the near-term, include shortages and delays in the supply chain, and prohibitions in certain countries on enrolling subjects in new clinical trials. While we have been able to progress with our clinical and pre-clinical activities to date, it is not possible to predict if the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively impact our plans and timelines in the future.
Financial Results
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
Arbutus had cash, cash equivalents and investments totaling $118.3 million as of September 30, 2020, as compared to $90.8 million as of December 31, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Arbutus used $36.4 million in operating activities and made a $2.5 million equity investment in Genevant. These cash outflows were offset by $66.1 million of net proceeds from the issuance of common shares under Arbutus’s ATM program. The Company believes its ending third quarter cash, cash equivalents and investments of $118.3 million are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations into mid-2022.
Net Loss
Net loss attributable to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $21.8 million ($0.27 basic and diluted loss per common share) as compared to $85.3 million ($1.50 basic and diluted loss per common share) for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Net loss attributable to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2019 included: i) non-cash impairment charges of $43.8 million for an in-process research and development ("IPR&D") intangible asset and $22.5 million for goodwill to reduce their carrying values to zero, as well as a corresponding income tax benefit of $12.7 million related to the decrease in the deferred tax liability associated with the IPR&D intangible assets; and ii) a $6.5 million expense related to an arbitration award from the Company’s arbitration with the University of British Columbia.
Net loss attributable to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 included non-cash expense for the accrual of coupon on the Company’s convertible preferred shares of $3.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and non-cash expense for a proportionate share of Genevant’s net losses of $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2019.
Operating Expenses
Research and development expenses were $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $17.7 million in 2019. The decrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 versus the same period in 2019 was due primarily to lower clinical expenses in 2020. General and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2019. This increase was due primarily to increased compensation-related expenses and an increase in insurance premiums.
Outstanding Shares
The Company had approximately 84.6 million common shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020. In addition, the Company had approximately 10.9 million stock options outstanding and 1.164 million convertible preferred shares outstanding, which (including the 8.75% annual interest in the form of additional preferred shares) will be mandatorily convertible into approximately 23.0 million common shares on October 18, 2021.
Conference Call and Webcast Today
Arbutus will hold a conference call and webcast today, Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 8:45 AM Eastern Time to provide a corporate update. You can access a live webcast of the call through the Investors section of Arbutus’ website at www.arbutusbio.com or directly at Live Webcast. Alternatively, you can dial (866) 393-1607 or (914) 495-8556 and reference conference ID 7161816.
An archived webcast will be available on the Arbutus website after the event. Alternatively, you may access a replay of the conference call by calling (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406, and reference conference ID 7161816.
About AB-729
AB-729 is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic targeted to hepatocytes using Arbutus’ novel covalently conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology that enables subcutaneous delivery. AB-729 inhibits viral replication and reduces all HBV antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen in preclinical models. Reducing hepatitis B surface antigen is thought to be a key prerequisite to enable reawakening of a patient’s immune system to respond to the virus. Based upon clinical data generated thus far in an ongoing single- and multi-dose Phase 1a/1b clinical trial, AB-729 has demonstrated positive safety and tolerability data and meaningful reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen.
About AB-836
AB-836 is an oral HBV capsid inhibitor. HBV core protein assembles into a capsid structure, which is required for viral replication. The current standard-of-care therapy for HBV, primarily nucleos(t)ide analogues that work by inhibiting the viral polymerase, significantly reduce virus replication, but not completely. Capsid inhibitors inhibit replication by preventing the assembly of functional viral capsids. They also have been shown to inhibit the uncoating step of the viral life cycle thus reducing the formation of new covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the genetic reservoir which the virus uses to replicate itself.
About HBV
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a debilitating disease of the liver that afflicts over 250 million people worldwide with up to 90 million people in China, as estimated by the World Health Organization. HBV is a global epidemic that affects more people than hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection combined—with a higher morbidity and mortality rate. HBV is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and need for liver transplantation, and up to one million people worldwide die every year from HBV-related causes. The current standard of care for patients with chronic HBV infection is life-long suppressive treatment with medications that reduce, but do not eliminate, the virus, resulting in very low cure rates. There is a significant unmet need for new therapies to treat HBV.