WARMINSTER, PA — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation announced that two of its research abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2024. The event will take place from June 5 to 8, 2024, in Milan, Italy.
The first abstract, number 2389, will be presented as a poster by Prof. Man-Fung Yuen. Titled “Imdusiran (AB-729) administered every 8 weeks in combination with 24 weeks of pegylated interferon alfa-2a in virally suppressed, HBeAg-negative subjects with chronic HBV infection leads to HBsAg loss in some subjects at end of IFN treatment,” this study shows promising results. At the end of treatment, 28% of subjects receiving imdusiran plus 24 weeks of interferon showed a reduction in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). However, no subjects receiving shorter treatments showed similar outcomes. This data suggests that longer therapy durations may be critical for achieving significant viral suppression. Further study results and additional data will be shared during the congress.
The second abstract, number 505, will be delivered as an oral presentation by Prof. Kosh Agarwal. The study, titled “Imdusiran (AB-729) administered every 8 weeks for 24 weeks followed by the immunotherapeutic VTP-300 maintains lower HBV surface antigen levels in NA-suppressed CHB subjects than 24 weeks of imdusiran alone,” focuses on a combined treatment regimen. Subjects who received both imdusiran and VTP-300 maintained lower HBsAg levels compared to those treated with imdusiran alone. Impressively, many subjects on the combined treatment were able to stop their nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy and remained off it. This finding could mark a significant step forward in managing chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Revolutionizing Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment
These presentations are more than just academic exercises. They highlight potential advancements in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, a persistent and often debilitating disease. Chronic hepatitis B impacts millions worldwide, leading to severe liver complications if untreated.
Arbutus Biopharma’s research offers a glimpse into the future of hepatitis B treatment. Both studies focus on imdusiran, an investigational drug showing promise in reducing the virus’s presence in the body. By potentially enabling patients to discontinue long-term antiviral therapies, these findings could improve quality of life and reduce treatment costs.
For the pharmaceutical industry, these developments could drive new research directions and investment opportunities. If successful, the treatments could reshape how chronic hepatitis B is managed globally.
As the EASL Congress approaches, the medical community will closely watch Arbutus Biopharma’s presentations. The outcomes could influence future treatment protocols and offer hope to millions battling chronic hepatitis B.
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