Peginterferon alfa-2a(Rhein-Minapharm)

– Prior data from the Phase 2 SOLSTICE trial in chronic hepatitis delta participants demonstrated that after only 12 weeks of combination therapy, 100% (6/6) of participants had HDV RNA less than the lower limit of quantification – – Phase 2 SOLSTICE trial on track to complete enrollment ahead of schedule with initial data expected in the second quarter; greater than 90% of participants dosed – – Prior Phase 2 MARCH Part B chronic hepatitis B data demonstrated that tobevibart may play an important role in achieving a functional cure; 48-week end of treatment data readout on track for the fourth quarter – – $1.63 billion in cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2023 – – Conference call scheduled for February 22, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET – SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VIR BIOTECHNOLOGY, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. “Vir is poised to have a transformational year, with catalysts expected in the second and fourth quarters, which build off last year’s clinical trial progress in our chronic hepatitis delta and B programs. We believe these data readouts, notably the SOLSTICE delta update in the second quarter, hold tremendous promise for patients as we work towards solutions for these deadly diseases,” said Marianne De Backer, M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, Vir’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our financial strength allows us to fund multiple clinical programs through major inflection points while enabling the flexibility to invest in external innovation opportunities.” Pipeline Programs Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD) The Company presented initial SOLSTICE data from a small subset of participants in a late-breaker presentation at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting in November 2023. After 12 weeks of combination treatment with tobevibart and elebsiran, 5 out of 6 participants achieved undetectable HDV RNA and 6 out of 6 were below the lower limit of quantification. The SOLSTICE trial is ongoing with enrollment currently ahead of schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2024 due to the high level of physician and patient interest. This portion of the SOLSTICE trial is investigating the combination of tobevibart and elebsiran given every 4 weeks in one cohort, and tobevibart monotherapy given every 2 weeks in another cohort. Of the 30 participants anticipated to be enrolled in each cohort, approximately 44% have compensated cirrhosis. The Company expects to report data on a subset of participants in the second quarter: 12-week treatment data for 15 participants per regimen as well as 24-week data for 10 participants per regimen. Complete 24-week treatment data for 30 participants per regimen is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) The Company presented new MARCH Part B data at AASLD The Liver Meeting in November 2023. The data demonstrated an approximately three-fold higher response rate when adding tobevibart to a regimen of elebsiran with or without peginterferon after 24 weeks of treatment (15.0% for tobevibart + elebsiran + peginterferon alpha and 14.3% for tobevibart + elebsiran). The MARCH Part B trial is ongoing with 48-week end of treatment data expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Phase 2 PREVAIL platform trial and its THRIVE/STRIVE sub-protocols are ongoing. The platform is evaluating combinations of tobevibart, elebsiran and/or peginterferon alpha in two CHB patient populations with the potential to evaluate other populations in the future. Initial data from this platform trial is expected in the first half of 2025. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) The Phase 1 trial of VIR-1388, an investigational novel T cell vaccine for the prevention of HIV, remains ongoing with initial immunogenicity data expected in the second half of 2024. The trial is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and is being conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. In December, Nature Medicine recognized the Phase 1 trial of VIR-1388 as one of the “11 clinical trials that will shape medicine in 2024”. COVID-19 Later this year, the Company expects to health authority application to support a Phase 1 trial evaluating VIR-7229, a potential broadly neutralizing next-generation COVID antibody that has been AI-engineered to have increased potency, breadth and resistance to viral escape. The development of VIR-7229 has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Other Transaction Number: 75A50122C00081. Influenza The full analysis of data from the Phase 2 PENINSULA trial is expected in the second quarter in a scientific publication. On February 21, 2024, the Company and GSK terminated their collaboration to research, develop and commercialize the Company’s monoclonal antibodies for the prevention, treatment, or prophylaxis of the influenza virus under the Definitive Collaboration Agreement established in May 2021 to reflect that Vir retains sole rights to continue advancing its investigational therapies for influenza independently or with other partners. The Company is actively pursuing external partnership opportunities for its next-generation influenza A and B antibodies and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Preclinical Pipeline Candidates Vir is continuing to advance next-generation antibodies using its proprietary platform, which leverages dAIsYTM (data AI structure and antibody), an AI engine, allowing the Company to bring high-quality drug candidates to the clinic more efficiently. The Company expects the filing of multiple new INDs in the next 12-24 months, including: VIR-2981, an investigational neuraminidase-targeting mAb against both influenza A and B viruses. VIR-8190, an investigational mAb against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus. VIR-1949, an investigational therapeutic T cell vaccine based on Vir’s human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vector platform that is designed to treat precancerous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. Corporate Update In December of 2023, the Company announced strategic imperatives to focus its capital allocation on programs with the highest potential for patient impact and value creation, which include: Closing R&D facilities in St. Louis, Missouri and Portland, Oregon in 2024. Research activities will continue at the Company’s sites in San Francisco, California and Bellinzona, Switzerland. Eliminating approximately 12%, or 75 positions, including reductions from the Company’s discontinuation of its small molecule group which was initiated in the third quarter of 2023. The reductions will be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Through these actions, the Company expects to reduce its cost structure by at least $40 million annually. On February 20, 2024, the Company announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Phil Pang, M.D., Ph.D., has decided to step down to spend more time with his family. Dr. Pang’s last day will be March 31, 2024. The Company has initiated a search for a successor. Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.63 billion in cash, cash equivalents and investments. Cash, cash equivalents and investments declined by approximately $108 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenues: Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 were $16.8 million compared to $49.4 million for the same period in 2022. Total revenues for the full year of 2023 were $86.2 million compared to $1.6 billion in 2022. Revenues were comprised of the following components: Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change (in millions) (in millions) Collaboration revenue $ 8.9 $ 21.6 (58.8 )% $ 37.3 $ 1,505.5 (97.5 )% Contract revenue 0.7 0.2 >100.0% 2.2 52.7 (95.8 )% License revenue from a related party — — — % — 22.3 (100.0 )% Grant revenue 7.2 27.6 (73.9 )% 46.7 35.3 32.3 % Total revenues $ 16.8 $ 49.4 (66.0 )% $ 86.2 $ 1,615.8 (94.7 )% Note: Numbers may not add due to rounding. Collaboration revenue: The decrease in collaboration revenue for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023 compared to the same periods in 2022 was driven by lower profit share from sales of sotrovimab under the Company’s 2020 GSK agreement. Contract revenue: Contract revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 was nominal. The decrease in contract revenue for the full year of 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by the recognition of deferred revenue related to GSK’s selection of RSV in the third quarter of 2022 under the Company’s 2021 GSK agreement. License revenue from a related party: The decrease in license revenue for the full year of 2023 compared to 2022 was driven by certain revenues recognized under the collaboration with Brii Biosciences in the third quarter of 2022. Grant revenue: The decrease in grant revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 and the increase in grant revenue for the full year of 2023 compared to 2022 were primarily driven by the timing of revenue recognized under the Company’s grant with BARDA supporting the Company’s Phase 2 PENINSULA trial of VIR-2482. Cost of Revenue: Cost of revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was nominal compared to $6.0 million for the same period in 2022. Cost of revenue for the full year of 2023 was $2.8 million compared to $146.3 million in 2022. The decreases were due to lower third-party royalties owed on the sales of sotrovimab. Research and Development Expenses (R&D): R&D expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $111.9 million, which included severance charges of $2.6 million and $16.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $155.2 million for the same period in 2022, which included $13.4 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The decrease was primarily driven by the wind down of clinical studies involving VIR-2482 in the fourth quarter of 2023. R&D expenses for the full year of 2023 were $589.7 million, which included $62.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $474.6 million in 2022, which included $53.2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The increase was primarily driven by the Phase 2 PENINSULA trial of VIR-2482 and related manufacturing costs and, to a lesser extent, the advancement of our CHB and CHD clinical programs. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A): SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $43.1 million, which included $1.9 million of severance charges and $11.8 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $38.7 million for the same period in 2022, which included $11.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. SG&A expenses for the full year of 2023 were $178.0 million, which included $48.6 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $161.8 million in 2022, which included $48.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The increase for both the fourth quarter and full year were primarily driven by higher personnel-related costs. Other Income (Loss): Other income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $18.3 million compared to other loss of $(1.1) million for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher foreign exchange loss incurred in the fourth quarter of 2022, partially offset by higher unrealized loss of equity investments in the same period of 2023. Other income for the full year of 2023 was $56.1 million compared to other loss of $(78.8) million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher unrealized loss of equity investments incurred in 2022 and higher interest income earned in 2023. Benefit from (Provision for) Income Taxes: Benefit from income taxes for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $4.8 million compared to $50.0 million for the same period in 2022. Benefit from income taxes for the year of 2023 was $13.1 million compared to a provision for income taxes of $(238.4) million in 2022. The benefit from income taxes in the fourth quarter and the year of 2023 was primarily due to a pre-tax loss and our ability to carry back the R&D credit to 2022. The benefit from income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2022 was primarily due to the Company’s pre-tax loss. The swing from a provision for income taxes in 2022 to a benefit from income taxes in 2023 was due to the higher collaboration revenue from sotrovimab sales that resulted in pre-tax income in 2022. Net (Loss) Income: Net loss attributable to Vir for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $(116.0) million, or $(0.86) per share, basic and diluted, compared to a net loss of $(101.6) million, or $(0.76) per share, basic and diluted, for the same period in 2022. Net loss attributable to Vir for the year of 2023 was $(615.1) million, or $(4.59) per share, basic and diluted, compared to a net income of $515.8 million, or $3.89 per share, basic and $3.83 per share, diluted, in 2022. 2024 Financial Guidance Vir is providing full year 2024 guidance below (in millions): GAAP combined R&D and SG&A expense range: $ 650 to $ 680 The following expenses are included in the GAAP combined R&D and SG&A expense range: Stock-based compensation expense $ 115 to $ 105 Restructuring charges* $ 35 to $ 25 * Restructuring charges are primarily non-cash expenditures, related to the closing of two R&D sites previously announced on December 13, 2023. Approximately three to four percent of the GAAP combined R&D and SG&A expense will be funded by grants. These grants are recognized as revenue. The GAAP combined R&D and SG&A expense guidance does not include the effect of GAAP adjustments caused by events that may occur subsequent to the publication of this guidance, including, but not limited to, business development activities, litigation, in-process R&D impairments, and changes in the fair value of contingent considerations. Conference Call Vir will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year results at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET today. A live webcast will be available on and will be archived on for 30 days. About Tobevibart Tobevibart is an investigational subcutaneously administered antibody designed to block entry of hepatitis B and hepatitis delta viruses into hepatocytes and to reduce the level of virions and subviral particles in the blood. Tobevibart, which incorporates Xencor’s Xtend™ and other Fc technologies, has been engineered to potentially function as a T cell vaccine against hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus, as well as to have an extended half-life. Tobevibart was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. About Elebsiran Elebsiran is an investigational subcutaneously administered hepatitis B virus-targeting small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) that Vir believes has the potential to stimulate an effective immune response and have direct antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus. It is the first siRNA in the clinic to include Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus (ESC+) technology to enhance stability and minimize off-target activity, which potentially could result in an increased therapeutic index. Elebsiran is the first asset in the Company’s collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to enter clinical trials. About VIR-2482 VIR-2482 is an investigational hemagglutinin targeting, intramuscularly administered influenza A-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. In vitro, it has been shown to cover all major strains of influenza A that have arisen since the 1918 flu pandemic. VIR-2482 is designed as a prophylactic for influenza A. VIR-2482 incorporates Xencor’s Xtend™ and was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. The PENINSULA trial has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Other Transaction Number: 75A50122C00081. About VIR-2981 VIR-2981 is an investigational neuraminidase-targeting monoclonal antibody against influenza viruses. It targets a region of the neuraminidase protein that is highly conserved across influenza A and B strains and is designed to inhibit the influenza neuraminidase, a key viral protein that facilitates release of new viruses in infected individuals. Preclinical data demonstrate the antibody’s breadth and potency against all major strains of seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses and support the potential of this antibody in the prevention of influenza illness. VIR-2981 was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. About VIR-1388 VIR-1388 is a preclinical subcutaneously administered HIV T cell vaccine based the T cell-based viral vector platform and has been designed to elicit abundant T cells that recognize HIV epitopes with the goal of creating a safe and effective HIV vaccine. About Sotrovimab Sotrovimab is an investigational SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody that was developed in collaboration with GSK. The antibody binds to an epitope on SARS-CoV-2 shared with SARS-CoV-1 (the virus that causes SARS). Sotrovimab, which incorporates Xencor, Inc.’s Xtend™ technology, has been designed to achieve high concentration in the lungs to achieve optimal penetration into airway tissues affected by SARS-CoV-2 and to have an extended half-life. Sotrovimab was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. Sotrovimab is currently not authorized in the US. About VIR-7229 VIR-7229 is an investigational next generation COVID-19 monoclonal antibody with a distinct combination of potency, breadth and viral inescapability. VIR-7229 is designed as a prophylactic for COVID-19 and was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. VIR-7229 incorporates Xencor, Inc.’s Xtend™ technology and is affinity matured using machine learning to increase its effectiveness in binding to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 variants. The development of VIR-7229 has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Other Transaction Number: 75A50122C00081. About VIR-8190 VIR-8190 is an investigational dual specificity monoclonal antibody that has the ability to potently neutralize both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) strains. RSV and HMPV are recognized as significant causes of lower respiratory tract disease in high-risk populations, including infants and immunocompromised individuals. VIR-8190 was identified using Vir’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. About VIR-1949 VIR-1949 is an investigational therapeutic vaccine based the T cell-based viral vector platform that is designed to treat HPV-related high-grade squamous epithelial pre-cancer lesions (HSIL) and cancers. This vaccine uses HCMV as the vaccine vector. Based on preclinical data, HCMV vectors have the potential to induce high frequencies of antigen-specific, tissue-localizing effector memory T cells. About Vir Biotechnology, Inc. Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is an immunology company focused on powering the immune system to transform lives by treating and preventing infectious diseases and other serious conditions, including viral-associated diseases. Vir has assembled two technology platforms that are designed to modulate the immune system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune processes. Its current clinical development pipeline consists of product candidates targeting hepatitis delta and hepatitis B viruses and human immunodeficiency virus. Vir has several preclinical candidates in its pipeline, including those targeting influenza A and B, COVID-19, RSV/MPV and HPV. Vir routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “potential,” “aim,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “promising” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Vir’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Vir’s strategy and plans; Vir’s cash balance; Vir’s financial guidance; Vir’s future financial and operating results and its expectations related thereto; potential of, and expectations for, Vir’s pipeline; Vir’s clinical and preclinical development programs, clinical trials, including the enrollment of Vir’s clinical trials, and the expected timing of data readouts and presentations; the potential benefits, safety, and efficacy of Vir’s investigational therapies; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. Many important factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including uncertainty as to whether the anticipated benefits of the BARDA collaboration can be achieved; unexpected safety or efficacy data or results observed during clinical trials or in data readouts; the timing and outcome of Vir’s planned interactions with regulatory authorities; difficulties in obtaining regulatory approval; uncertainty as to whether the anticipated benefits of Vir’s collaborations with other companies can be achieved; difficulties in collaborating with other companies; challenges in accessing manufacturing capacity; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected; successful development and/or commercialization of alternative product candidates by Vir’s competitors; changes in expected or existing competition; delays in or disruptions to Vir’s business or clinical trials, Vir’s use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in its efforts to engineer next-generation proteins and in other research and development efforts; the timing and amount of actual expenses, including, without limitation, Vir’s anticipated combined GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses; geopolitical changes or other external factors; and unexpected litigation or other disputes. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later-stage or larger-scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements or the scientific data presented. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Vir’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section titled “Risk Factors” contained therein. Except as required by law, Vir assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. VIR BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited) December 31, 2023 2022 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 241,576 $ 848,631 Short-term investments 1,270,980 1,521,517 Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current 13,268 12,681 Equity investments 9,853 31,892 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 52,549 104,356 Total current assets 1,588,226 2,519,077 Intangible assets, net 22,565 32,755 Goodwill 16,937 16,937 Property and equipment, net 96,018 105,609 Operating right-of-use assets 71,182 82,557 Restricted cash and cash equivalents, noncurrent 6,448 6,656 Long-term investments 105,275 23,927 Other assets 12,409 14,570 TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,919,060 $ 2,802,088 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 6,334 $ 6,422 Accrued and other liabilities 104,220 489,090 Deferred revenue, current 64,853 15,517 Total current liabilities 175,407 511,029 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 1,526 53,207 Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 111,673 123,837 Contingent consideration, noncurrent 25,960 24,937 Other long-term liabilities 14,258 11,115 TOTAL LIABILITIES 328,824 724,125 Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 — — Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively; 134,781,286 and 133,236,687 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively 13 13 Additional paid-in capital 1,828,862 1,709,835 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (815 ) (9,122 ) (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (237,824 ) 377,237 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 1,590,236 2,077,963 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,919,060 $ 2,802,088 VIR BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenues: Collaboration revenue $ 8,858 $ 21,609 $ 37,266 $ 1,505,469 Contract revenue 744 180 2,228 52,714 License revenue from a related party — — — 22,289 Grant revenue 7,185 27,621 46,686 35,325 Total revenues 16,787 49,410 86,180 1,615,797 Operating expenses: Cost of revenue 798 5,996 2,765 146,319 Research and development 111,915 155,173 589,671 474,648 Selling, general and administrative 43,090 38,743 178,049 161,762 Total operating expenses 155,803 199,912 770,485 782,729 (Loss) income from operations (139,016 ) (150,502 ) (684,305 ) 833,068 Other income (loss): Change in fair value of equity investments (992 ) 8,879 (21,888 ) (111,140 ) Interest income 20,736 16,172 86,990 28,092 Other (expense) income, net (1,485 ) (26,187 ) (8,991 ) 4,260 Total other income (loss) 18,259 (1,136 ) 56,111 (78,788 ) (Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes (120,757 ) (151,638 ) (628,194 ) 754,280 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 4,784 50,035 13,077 (238,443 ) Net (loss) income $ (115,973 ) $ (101,603 ) $ (615,117 ) $ 515,837 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest $ — $ — $ (56 ) $ — Net (loss) income attributable to Vir $ (115,973 ) $ (101,603 ) $ (615,061 ) $ 515,837 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Vir, basic $ (0.86 ) $ (0.76 ) $ (4.59 ) $ 3.89 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Vir, diluted $ (0.86 ) $ (0.76 ) $ (4.59 ) $ 3.83 Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic 134,608,811 133,154,960 134,130,924 132,606,767 Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 134,608,811 133,154,960 134,130,924 134,810,908

Additional AB-729 off-treatment data highlighted in an oral presentation at the Global Hepatitis Summit 2023 Dosed first subject in Phase 1 clinical trial with oral RNA Destabilizer, AB-161 Filed patent infringement lawsuit against Pfizer and BioNTech seeking compensation for use of unlicensed patented technologies in COVID-19 mRNA-LNP vaccines Strong financial position – cash runway extends into the first quarter of 2025 Conference Call and Webcast Today at 8:45 AM ET WARMINSTER, Pa., May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) (“Arbutus” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases, today reported first quarter 2023 financial results and provided a corporate update. “In the first quarter of 2023, we made meaningful progress advancing our pipeline of HBV and coronavirus assets to address large global market opportunities,” said William Collier, Arbutus’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “We reported data from our lead HBV-focused RNAi therapeutic, AB-729, showing low levels of HBsAg and HBV DNA in most patients persisting for at least a year and a half after their last dose of AB-729. In addition, we dosed the first healthy subject in our Phase 1 clinical trial with AB-161, our oral RNA destabilizer, for which we expect data in the second half of this year. We continue to advance our coronavirus programs and expect to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial with our Mpro inhibitor candidate, AB-343, as well as IND-enabling studies for an nsp12 inhibitor candidate in the second half of this year.” Pipeline Updates and Key Milestones AB-729 (RNAi Therapeutic) At the Global Hepatitis Summit in April, we reported in an oral presentation additional off-treatment data from the patients in our Phase 1b clinical trial (AB-729-001) who have discontinued both AB-729 and nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. These seven remaining patients continue to maintain low HBV DNA levels off all therapy, and HBsAg levels remain below baseline (-0.8 to -1.6 log10) up to one and a half years after the last dose of AB-729. We are continuing to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AB-729 in combination with ongoing NA therapy and short courses of PEG-IFNα-2a (IFN) in 43 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection in a Phase 2a clinical trial (AB-729-201). Preliminary data from the lead-in phase of the trial further validated AB-729’s capacity to reduce HBsAg. We expect to announce preliminary data from patients receiving the combination of AB-729, NA therapy and IFN in the second quarter of 2023. We are continuing to evaluate AB-729, NA therapy and Vaccitech’s HBV antigen-specific immunotherapeutic, VTP-300, in a Phase 2a clinical trial (AB-729-202). Once enrollment is complete in the initial portion of this trial, we will begin enrolling 20 patients in an additional arm of the trial. These patients will receive AB-729 (60mg every 8 weeks) plus NA therapy for 24 weeks, followed by VTP-300 plus one to two low doses of nivolumab (Opdivo®). We expect preliminary data from patients who receive AB-729, NA therapy and VTP-300 in the second half of 2023, and we expect to dose the first patient in the additional arm receiving AB-729, NA therapy, VTP-300 and nivolumab in the second quarter of 2023. AB-161 (Oral RNA destabilizer) In March, we dosed the first healthy subject in our Phase 1 clinical trial with AB-161. The single-ascending dose data is expected in the second half of 2023. AB-161 is our next-generation oral HBV-specific RNA destabilizer, which is being developed as part of a potential all-oral treatment regimen to functionally cure HBV. At the Global Hepatitis Summit in April, we presented preclinical data showing that AB-161 provides robust anti-HBV activity including suppression of HBV RNA and HBsAg production in vitro and in vivo. The differentiated anti-HBV mode of action of AB-161 compared to other classes of HBV inhibitors, suggest that AB-161 may be an important component in combination to provide a functional cure for cHBV. AB-101 (Oral PD-L1 Inhibitor) In April, we received verbal communication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the AB-101 Investigational New Drug (IND) application has been placed on clinical hold. For purposes of clarity, the Phase 1 clinical trial had not been initiated and we had not dosed any patients with AB-101. The FDA indicated they will provide an official clinical hold letter to Arbutus within 30 days of the verbal communication. Based on this communication, we no longer intend to report initial data from the single-ascending dose portion of a Phase 1 clinical trial in the second half of 2023. We are developing AB-101, our oral PD-L1 inhibitor, to reawaken and boost the immune system of patients with cHBV. Preclinical data generated thus far indicates that AB-101 is highly potent and mediates activation and reinvigoration of HBV-specific T-cells from cHBV patients. COVID-19 and Pan-Coronavirus Programs At the 36th International Conference on Antiviral Research in March, we presented pre-clinical data for AB-343, our lead coronavirus drug candidate that inhibits the main protease (Mpro). The antiviral potency, selectivity and favorable pharmacokinetic data support the further development of AB-343 as a potential ritonavir-free oral treatment for COVID-19 and other human coronaviruses. We are currently conducting IND-enabling studies with AB-343, and on completion, we expect to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in the second half of 2023. We are continuing to direct our research efforts to identifying an nsp12 viral polymerase clinical candidate. Such a candidate could potentially be combined with AB-343 to achieve better patient treatment outcomes and for use in prophylactic settings. We expect to nominate an nsp12 clinical candidate and initiate IND-enabling studies in the second half of 2023. Financial Results Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments As of March 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities of $178.5 million compared to $184.3 million as of December 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we used $27.3 million in operating activities, which was partially offset by $19.9 million of net proceeds from the issuance of common shares under our “at-the-market” offering program. Based on AB-101's IND being placed on clinical hold by the FDA and a resulting shift in the timing of our AB-101 Phase 1 clinical trial, we are reducing our 2023 cash burn guidance from between $95 to $100 million to between $90 to $95 million. We believe our cash runway will be sufficient to fund our operations into the first quarter of 2025. Revenue Total revenue was $6.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $12.6 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $5.9 million was due primarily to less revenue recognition from our license agreement with Qilu compared to last year based on employee labor hours expended by us to perform our manufacturing obligations under the license agreement. Operating Expenses Research and development expenses were $18.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $18.5 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $0.2 million was due primarily to a decrease in expenses for our AB-836 Phase 1a/1b clinical trial, which was discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2022, partially offset by an increase in expenses for our coronavirus program and other early-stage development programs. Net Loss For the three months ended March 31, 2023, our net loss was $16.3 million, or a loss of $0.10 per basic and diluted common share, as compared to a net loss of $15.8 million, or a loss of $0.11 per basic and diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included $4.4 million of income tax expense for withholding taxes paid to the Chinese taxing authority by Qilu on our behalf in connection with the upfront license fee Qilu paid us. Outstanding Shares As of March 31, 2023, we had approximately 165.1 million common shares issued and outstanding, as well as approximately 19.7 million stock options and unvested restricted stock units outstanding. Roivant Sciences Ltd. owned approximately 23% of our outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2023. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS (in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Revenue Collaborations and licenses $ 5,509 $ 11,218 Non-cash royalty revenue 1,178 1,363 Total revenue 6,687 12,581 Operating expenses Research and development 18,275 18,462 General and administrative 5,552 4,892 Change in fair value of contingent consideration 273 201 Total operating expenses 24,100 23,555 Loss from operations (17,413 ) (10,974 ) Other income (loss) Interest income 1,268 159 Interest expense (198 ) (506 ) Foreign exchange gain 4 — Total other income (loss) 1,074 (347 ) Loss before income taxes (16,339 ) (11,321 ) Income tax expense — (4,444 ) Net loss $ (16,339 ) $ (15,765 ) Net loss per common share Basic and diluted $ (0.10 ) $ (0.11 ) Weighted average number of common shares Basic and diluted 161,643,404 148,428,326 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, current $ 146,728 $ 146,913 Accounts receivable and other current assets 6,126 4,226 Total current assets 152,854 151,139 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 4,853 5,070 Investments in marketable securities, non-current 31,790 37,363 Right of use asset 1,665 1,744 Other non-current assets 62 103 Total assets $ 191,224 $ 195,419 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 9,653 $ 16,029 Deferred license revenue, current 15,055 16,456 Lease liability, current 446 372 Total current liabilities 25,154 32,857 Liability related to sale of future royalties 9,384 10,365 Deferred license revenue, non-current 3,296 5,999 Contingent consideration 7,804 7,531 Lease liability, non-current 1,671 1,815 Total stockholders’ equity 143,915 136,852 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 191,224 $ 195,419 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Net loss $ (16,339 ) $ (15,765 ) Non-cash items 1,372 1,642 Change in deferred license revenue (4,104 ) 38,840 Other changes in working capital (8,230 ) (4,098 ) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (27,301 ) 20,619 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 16,678 (60,056 ) Issuance of common shares pursuant to Share Purchase Agreement — 10,973 Issuance of common shares pursuant to the Open Market Sale Agreement 19,862 268 Cash provided by other financing activities 555 244 Net cash provided by financing activities 20,417 11,485 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 4 - Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,798 (27,952 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 30,776 109,282 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 40,574 81,330 Investments in marketable securities 137,944 153,500 Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, end of period $ 178,518 $ 234,830 Conference Call and Webcast Today Arbutus will hold a conference call and webcast today, Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 8:45 AM Eastern Time to provide a corporate update. To dial-in for the conference call by phone, please register using the following link: Registration Link. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Investors section of Arbutus' website at . An archived webcast will be available on the Arbutus website after the event. About AB-729 AB-729 is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic specifically designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens including hepatitis B surface antigen which is thought to be a key prerequisite to enable reawakening of a patient’s immune system to respond to the virus. AB-729 targets hepatocytes using Arbutus’ novel covalently conjugated N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology enabling subcutaneous delivery. Clinical data generated thus far has shown single- and multi-doses of AB-729 to be generally safe and well-tolerated, while also providing meaningful reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B DNA. AB-729 is currently in multiple Phase 2a clinical trials. About AB-101 AB-101 is our lead oral PD-L1 inhibitor candidate that we believe will allow for controlled checkpoint blockade and enable oral dosing, while minimizing the systemic safety issues typically seen with checkpoint antibody therapies. Immune checkpoints such as PD-1/PD-L1 play an important role in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance and in T-cell activation. Preclinical data generated thus far indicates that AB-101 mediates activation and reinvigoration of HBV-specific T-cells from cHBV patients. We believe AB-101, when used in combination with other approved and investigational agents, could potentially lead to a functional cure in HBV chronically infected patients. We are also exploring oncology applications for our internal PD-L1 portfolio. About AB-161 AB-161 is our next generation oral small molecule RNA destabilizer, specifically designed to target the liver. Mechanistically, RNA destabilizers target the host proteins PAPD5/7, which are involved in regulating the stability of HBV RNA transcripts. In doing so, RNA destabilizers lead to the selective degradation of HBV RNAs, thus reducing HBsAg levels and inhibiting viral replication. To provide a proprietary all-oral treatment regimen for patients with cHBV, we believe inclusion of a small molecule RNA destabilizer is key. About AB-343 AB-343 is our lead coronavirus drug candidate that inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a validated target for the treatment of COVID-19 and potential future coronavirus outbreaks. In our pre-clinical research conducted to date, AB-343 has shown pan-coronavirus antiviral activity, no reduction in potency against known SARS-CoV-2 variants, robust activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro resistant strains, and a favorable drug-drug interaction pro no need for ritonavir boosting. We see an opportunity to pursue a potential combination therapeutic strategy focusing on Mpro and nsp12 viral polymerase targets to reduce hospitalizations, achieve better patient treatment outcomes and provide pre-exposure prophylactic therapy. About HBV Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can cause chronic infection which leads to a higher risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection represents a significant unmet medical need. The World Health Organization estimates that over 290 million people worldwide suffer from chronic HBV infection, while other estimates indicate that approximately 2.4 million people in the United States suffer from chronic HBV infection. Approximately 820,000 people die every year from complications related to chronic HBV infection despite the availability of effective vaccines and current treatment options.  About Coronaviruses Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19. COVID-19 has caused approximately 7.2 million deaths globally according to an analysis by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). As we strive to identify and develop new antiviral small molecules to treat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks, we have focused our research efforts on two essential targets critical for replication across all coronaviruses – nsp5 protease and nsp12 polymerase.  About Arbutus Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases. Our current focus areas include Hepatitis B virus (HBV), SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. To address HBV, we are developing a RNAi therapeutic, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor, and an oral RNA destabilizer to potentially identify a combination regimen with the aim of providing a functional cure for patients with chronic HBV by suppressing viral replication, reducing surface antigen and reawakening the immune system. We believe our lead compound, AB-729, is the only RNAi therapeutic with evidence of immune re-awakening. AB-729 is currently being evaluated in multiple phase 2 clinical trials. We also have an ongoing drug discovery and development program directed to identifying novel, orally active agents for treating coronaviruses, (including SARS-CoV-2), for which we have nominated a compound and have begun IND-enabling pre-clinical studies. In addition, we are also exploring oncology applications for our internal PD-L1 portfolio. For more information, visit . Forward-Looking Statements and Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about our future development plans for our product candidates; the expected cost, timing and results of our clinical development plans and clinical trials with respect to our product candidates; our expectations with respect to the release of data from our clinical trials and the expected timing thereof; our expectations and goals for our collaborations with third parties and any potential benefits related thereto; the potential for our product candidates to achieve success in clinical trials; and our expected financial condition, including our anticipated net cash burn, the anticipated duration of cash runways and timing regarding needs for additional capital. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Arbutus has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the effectiveness and timeliness of preclinical studies and clinical trials, and the usefulness of the data; the timeliness of regulatory approvals; the continued demand for Arbutus’ assets; and the stability of economic and market conditions. While Arbutus considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies, including uncertainties and contingencies related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and patent litigation matters. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Arbutus’ actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: anticipated pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may be more costly or take longer to complete than anticipated, and may never be initiated or completed, or may not generate results that warrant future development of the tested product candidate; Arbutus may elect to change its strategy regarding its product candidates and clinical development activities; Arbutus may not receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the clinical development of Arbutus’ products; economic and market conditions may worsen; uncertainties associated with litigation generally and patent litigation specifically; Arbutus and its collaborators may never realize the expected benefits of the collaborations; market shifts may require a change in strategic focus; and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt Arbutus’ clinical development programs. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Arbutus appears in Arbutus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, Arbutus’ Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Arbutus’ continuous and periodic disclosure filings, which are available at and at . All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Arbutus disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Contact Information Investors and Media Lisa M. Caperelli Vice President, Investor Relations Phone: 215-206-1822 Email: lcaperelli@arbutusbio.com