Assembly Biosciences Nominates Development Candidate ABI-6250, an Orally Bioavailable HDV Entry Inhibitor
Assembly Biosciences, Inc. recently announced the selection of development candidate ABI-6250 to progress to IND-enabling studies. ABI-6250, an orally bioavailable small molecule entry inhibitor, is the first development candidate nominated by the company for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection, and the second development candidate selected in 2023, following ABI-5366 for high-recurrence genital herpes.
“We’re pleased to nominate ABI-6250 as a development candidate targeting chronic HDV infection, the most severe form of viral hepatitis,” said William Delaney, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Assembly Bio. “Current treatment options for HDV patients are limited and the only approved therapeutic requires daily injections. We are excited to bring ABI-6250 forward into IND-enabling studies with the goal of providing the first oral chronic therapy for HDV patients.”
HDV is a virus that infects liver cells in people who are also infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Patients with chronic HDV infection experience much higher rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer than those with chronic HBV infection only. In preclinical studies, ABI-6250 inhibited the interaction of HDV with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), the host receptor used by HBV/HDV to enter liver cells. Inhibiting viral entry by blocking NTCP is a clinically validated target for reducing HDV viremia and liver injury in patients.
In preclinical studies, ABI-6250 demonstrated low nanomolar potency against all tested HBV/HDV genotypes, favorable selectivity for NTCP versus other bile acid transporters, good oral bioavailability and a pharmacokinetic profile projected to support once-daily oral dosing. Assembly Bio plans to present data for ABI-6250 at future scientific conferences.
Assembly Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of innovative small molecule antiviral therapeutics designed to change the path of serious viral diseases and improve the lives of patients worldwide. Led by an accomplished team of leaders in virologic drug development, Assembly Bio is committed to improving outcomes for patients struggling with the serious, chronic impacts of herpesvirus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections. For more information, visit assemblybio.com.
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