Arbutus Biopharma Corp Q4 FY2022 earnings call

Bill Collier discussed progress in advancing proprietary compounds for chronic HBV and coronavirus, including milestones for 2023 such as announcing AB-729 data from Phase IIa trials, initiating Phase I trials for early-stage compounds (AB-101, AB-161), and progress with AB-729 in clinical trials. Mike Sofia focused on the coronavirus program, targeting nsp5 main protease and nsp12 viral polymerase, and introduced AB-343 as a lead oral coronavirus drug candidate with strong preclinical profile. David Hastings mentioned the company's financial position with cash runway into Q4 2024, cash inflows from upfront payments, equity investment, and at-the-market offering, and cash used in operations.

No detailed breakdown of product segment financial performance with revenue contribution % provided in the transcript.

Anticipated milestones for 2023 include reporting AB-729 data from Phase IIa trials, initiating Phase I trials for early-stage compounds, and dosing in AB-729 clinical trial amendments. The company expects a net cash burn of between $95 million to $100 million in 2023 and believes its cash runway will be sufficient to fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2024.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties described in the annual report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings. Litigation with Moderna, with no update provided on the ongoing case.

Q: Regarding corporate strategy priorities and BD opportunities vs pipeline, and level of clinical risk partners are comfortable with.

A: Bill Collier stated they prioritized HBV and coronavirus, made tough decisions like focusing on certain compounds, and Michael McElhaugh mentioned ongoing BD conversations with varying clinical risk tolerance depending on partner.

Q: Curiosity about beyond safety for oral PD-L1 and RNA destabilizer, and proportion of patients eligible to restart therapies for 729.

A: Michael Sofia discussed target engagement and occupancy for AB-101 to gauge potential efficacy, safety key for AB-161, and Bill Collier clarified 1 patient met restart criteria after 36 weeks off therapy.

Q: Range of weeks patients off treatment for 729 and findings from off-treatment data impacting Phase II studies.

A: Michael Sofia said patients were off 20-44+ weeks, and Bill Collier noted findings on restart criteria, undetectable status, or continued low levels could impact Phase II studies.

Q: Follow-up on patient who restarted, mPRO clinic study design, and litigation with Moderna.

A: Michael McElhaugh said the restarted patient was off 36 weeks, Michael Sofia discussed mPRO clinic to evaluate viral load, hospitalization, symptom reduction; Bill Collier stated no update on Moderna litigation.

Q: AB-343 dosing, preclinical data; 729 interferon combo readout key points.

A: Michael Sofia said AB-343 PK is good with preclinical data to be presented, and Bill Collier mentioned key for interferon combo is further s-antigen reduction.