08:37 AM EST, 12/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Assembly Biosciences ( ASMB ) said Thursday that an ongoing phase 1b study of its investigational antiviral drug ABI-4334 produced "encouraging" safety and efficacy results in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus.

The company cited improvements in trial-defined measures of antiviral activity in a study cohort that received an oral, once-daily 150 mg dose of ABI-4334 over 28 days.

The study also showed the drug was well-tolerated and had a favorable safety profile, the company said.

The biotechnology firm said it is now enrolling patients for a 400 mg daily trial cohort, with data expected to be released in H1 2025.

Following completion of the phase 1b study, Gilead Sciences ( GILD ) has the right to opt in to further development and commercialization of the drug, the company said.

Assembly Bio shares were up more than 1.5% in Thursday's premarket activity.