09:12 AM EDT, 06/25/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Assembly Biosciences ( ASMB ) said Wednesday a phase 1b trial of its drug candidate ABI-4334 showed 'strong' antiviral activity in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Two groups of 10 patients with different doses met the safety profile supporting once-daily oral dosing for a 28-day treatment, the company said, adding there were no serious adverse events or adverse events that led to the study drug discontinuation.

Assembly Biosciences ( ASMB ) also said Gilead Sciences ( GILD ) , under its collaboration with Assembly, may opt for an exclusive license for further development based on the trial's findings.

Shares of the company were up over 1.2% in recent Wednesday premarket activity. Gilead's shares were down 0.1%.