Citi Says Arbutus Biopharma Patent Invalidated, Moderna Wins
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 11h ago
0mins
Citi says the European Patent Office Board of Appeal invalidated a key Arbutus Biopharma (ABUS) delivery technology patent, which is a "clear win" for Moderna (MRNA). The invalidation neutralizes a "significant legal threat" for Moderna before the Unified Patent Court and reduces its potential royalty exposure on the continent, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, Citi believes Moderna's U.S. patent battle remains the primary overhang on the shares. It keeps a Neutral rating on the stock with a $28 price target.
Analyst Views on ABUS
About ABUS
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on infectious disease. The Company is developing imdusiran (AB-729), its proprietary, conjugated GalNAc, subcutaneously delivered RNAi therapeutic, and AB-101, its proprietary oral PD-L1 inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (cHBV). Its HBV product pipeline includes Imdusiran and AB-101. Its pipeline includes two product candidates that target various steps in the HBV viral lifecycle and consists of various programs: RNAi therapeutic (imdusiran, AB-729) and Oral PD-L1 Inhibitor (AB-101). RNAi therapeutics utilize a natural pathway within cells to silence genes by eliminating the disease-causing proteins that they code for. PD-L1 inhibitors complement its pipeline of agents and could potentially be a part of a combination therapy for the treatment of HBV by reawakening the immune system.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
