ASMB

Assembly Biosciences develops innovative antiviral therapies targeting chronic hepatitis B virus infection and emerging viral diseases where significant unmet medical needs persist despite existing treatment options. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company focuses on novel mechanisms of action addressing limitations of current hepatitis B therapies including nucleoside analogs and interferons which suppress viral replication but rarely achieve functional cure defined as sustained HBsAg loss. Assembly's lead program consists of orally bioavailable core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) that disrupt multiple stages of HBV lifecycle including viral capsid assembly, genomic replication, and secretion of surface antigen contributing to immune tolerance. The company's clinical pipeline includes vebicorvir and other CpAM candidates advancing through Phase 2 studies evaluating safety, viral suppression, and biomarker responses in chronic hepatitis B patients. Assembly pursues combination therapy approaches partnering its CpAMs with other investigational antivirals and immunomodulators targeting complementary mechanisms, a strategy believed necessary to achieve functional cure in substantial patient populations. The company established research collaborations evaluating CpAMs in combination with therapies from partners including Gilead Sciences and academic institutions. Assembly completed multiple financing rounds raising capital supporting clinical development but faces substantial cash burn requiring additional capital raises or partnership agreements providing development funding. The company employs approximately 40-50 people focused on clinical development, regulatory affairs, and discovery research exploring next-generation antiviral approaches.