It’s known that interferon-alpha (IFNα) activates interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and disrupts the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication cycle. Pegylated (PEG)-IFNα has been widely used for its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties but it is not always well tolerated and thus its use is limited.

Gilead Sciences Inc. and Assembly Biosciences Inc. have entered into a 12-year partnership to advance the research and development of novel antiviral therapies, with an initial focus on Assembly’s established areas of herpesviruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV).

What CEO Jason Okazaki called Assembly Biosciences Inc.’s “monumental” deal for new antivirals with Gilead Sciences Inc. brings $100 million right away, consisting of an $84.8 million up-front payment and a $15.2 million equity investment. Wall Street liked it, and shares of South San Francisco-based Assembly (NASDAQ:ASMB) closed Oct. 17 at $1.25, up 52 cents or 72%, on word of the 12-year arrangement. Gilead (NASDAQ:GILD) ended at $80.48, up $1.28.

Researchers from Assembly Biosciences Inc. recently presented details on the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel small-molecule hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) entry inhibitor, AB-1659.

Assembly Biosciences Inc. has selected ABI-6250, an orally bioavailable small-molecule entry inhibitor, as a development candidate to progress to IND-enabling studies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection.

Researchers from Assembly Biosciences Inc. reported on the preclinical characterization of ABI-5366, a potent helicase-primase inhibitor against both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Researchers from Assembly Biosciences Inc. presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of novel small-molecule hepatitis B (HBV) and D virus (HDV) entry inhibitors.