Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) said Thursday that an ongoing phase 1b study of its investigational antiviral drug ABI-4334 produced "encouraging" safety and efficacy results in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus.
The company cited improvements in trial-defined measures of antiviral activity in a study cohort that received an oral, once-daily 150 mg dose of ABI-4334 over 28 days.
The study also showed the drug was well-tolerated and had a favorable safety profile, the company said.
The biotechnology firm said it is now enrolling patients for a 400 mg daily trial cohort, with data expected to be released in H1 2025.
Following completion of the phase 1b study, Gilead Sciences (GILD) has the right to opt in to further development and commercialization of the drug, the company said.
Assembly Bio shares were up more than 1.5% in Thursday's premarket activity.