Core Insights - Assembly Biosciences, Inc. presented new preclinical and in vitro data for two therapeutic candidates, ABI-6250 and ABI-4334, at the EASL Congress, highlighting their potential in treating chronic viral hepatitis [1][2] Group 1: ABI-6250 - ABI-6250 is a first-in-class oral therapeutic candidate for chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection, currently in Phase 1a clinical study [3] - Preclinical results show ABI-6250 specifically inhibits both HDV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) at low nanomolar levels, with minimal effects on cell viability across multiple cell types [4] - The mechanism of ABI-6250 involves blocking the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), a validated target for HDV infection, which is crucial as current treatments for chronic HDV are limited [5] Group 2: ABI-4334 - ABI-4334 is a next-generation capsid assembly modulator (CAM) for HBV, with in vitro studies demonstrating sustained inhibition of HBV replication and HBsAg levels after long-term treatment in human hepatocytes [6] - The World Health Organization estimates that 254 million people are chronically infected with HBV, leading to significant health issues, highlighting the need for innovative treatments like ABI-4334 [7] Group 3: Company Overview - Assembly Biosciences is focused on developing innovative small-molecule therapeutics aimed at serious viral diseases, particularly targeting herpesvirus, HBV, and HDV infections [9]