ASMB Overview

Gilead Sciences Licenses Assembly Biosciences: Gilead Sciences has licensed Assembly Biosciences' herpes simplex virus helicase-primase inhibitor programs for recurrent genital herpes, covering phase 1 candidates ABI-1179 and ABI-5366.

Financial Terms of the Deal: The agreement includes an $84.8 million upfront payment, a $15.2 million equity investment, and potential milestone payments of approximately $330 million per program, as part of a 12-year partnership established in October 2023.

Positive Interim Results: Assembly Biosciences reported promising interim results from Phase 1b trials of its oral drugs ABI-1179 and ABI-5366 for recurrent genital herpes, showing significant reductions in HSV-2 shedding and genital lesions compared to placebo.

ABI-1179 Findings: The 50 mg weekly dose of ABI-1179 demonstrated a 98% reduction in HSV-2 shedding and a 91% reduction in genital lesions, with the drug being well-tolerated and supporting once-weekly dosing.

ABI-5366 Findings: The monthly dosing of ABI-5366 showed a 76% reduction in HSV-2 shedding and an 88% reduction in genital lesions, with positive results from earlier weekly dosing cohorts as well.

Future Plans: Assembly Biosciences plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials for ABI-5366, focusing on a once-weekly regimen, around mid-2026.

Exicure, Inc. Surge: Exicure, Inc. saw a significant after-hours increase of 72.61% to $9.20 following positive Phase 2 trial results for its therapy in multiple myeloma patients, with 90% of participants achieving the primary endpoint.

Artiva Biotherapeutics and iBio Performance: Artiva Biotherapeutics rose 10.39% after hours despite a regular session decline, while iBio advanced 8.38% after hours, continuing its earlier gains without any new announcements.

Cartesian Therapeutics and Metagenomi Gains: Cartesian Therapeutics increased 6.55% after hours, while Metagenomi gained 7.18% after hours, with the latter planning to present preclinical data at an upcoming conference.

Wave Life Sciences and Assembly Biosciences Updates: Wave Life Sciences shares rose 4.97% after hours following a public offering announcement, and Assembly Biosciences gained 5.96% after reporting positive interim results from Phase 1b studies of its investigational HSV inhibitors.