Core Insights - The combination of imdusiran, VTP-300, and low-dose nivolumab shows promising results in achieving HBsAg loss in chronic hepatitis B virus patients, with 23% of participants reaching HBsAg loss by Week 48 [1][3][4] Group C Clinical Trial Data - Group C consisted of 22 non-cirrhotic, virally suppressed cHBV participants, with 13 eligible for low-dose nivolumab [3][6] - Participants receiving the combination treatment of imdusiran, VTP-300, and nivolumab experienced significantly greater mean declines in HBsAg levels (p <0.017) compared to other groups [1][3] - Increases in immune biomarkers associated with T-cell activation were observed in participants who achieved HBsAg loss [3] IM-PROVE II Trial Overview - The IM-PROVE II Phase 2a clinical trial initially enrolled 40 participants, with Groups A and B receiving imdusiran followed by either VTP-300 or placebo [5] - An amendment added Group C, which included participants receiving imdusiran followed by VTP-300 and low-dose nivolumab [6] Mechanism of Action - Imdusiran is designed to reduce HBV viral proteins and antigens, facilitating immune system reawakening [8] - VTP-300 is an immunotherapeutic candidate that induces sustained reductions in HBsAg, aiming to counteract immune suppression caused by chronic HBV infection [9] Company Profiles - Arbutus Biopharma Corporation focuses on developing therapeutics for chronic hepatitis B, with a pipeline that includes imdusiran and an oral PD-L1 inhibitor [10] - Barinthus Biotherapeutics is advancing immunotherapeutic candidates, including VTP-300, targeting chronic infectious diseases and autoimmunity [11]
Arbutus and Barinthus Bio Announce New Data from the IM-PROVE II Trial Showing that the Addition of Nivolumab Increased Rates of HBsAg Loss in People with Chronic Hepatitis B