09:57 AM EST, 01/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Arbutus Biopharma ( ABUS ) said in a regulatory filing Friday that the Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office verbally revoked the company's patent EP 2279254.

The decision was made in connection with notices of opposition to the patent by affiliates of Moderna Therapeutics (MRNA) and Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Arbutus Biopharma ( ABUS ) said.

The decision reverses two earlier rulings by the EPO's Opposition Division that had upheld an amended version of the patent, the company said.

A written decision is expected in the coming months, after which the company plans to file a petition for review, according to the filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Shares of Arbutus Biopharma ( ABUS ) were down over 15% in early Friday trading.

Price: 3.97, Change: -0.74, Percent Change: -15.64