Arbutus Biopharma (ABUS) is a relatively small biopharma company with a market capitalization of just over $400 million. Arbutus is still in the clinical stage. Its business is primarily focused on discovering, developing an commercializing a cure for people with chronic hepatitis B (“HBV”) infection.The company is advancing multiple product candidates that could have the potential to a new cure for HBV. The company has also initiated drug developing efforts for treating COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (“WHO”) previously estimated that 240 million people suffered from chronic HBV.The HBV market was valued at $2.6 billion in 2016. Technavio suggested the HBV market could grow by $524 million from 2020-2024, representing a 4% CAGR over that period. That would put current HBV market at over $3 billion. That said, Arbutus generated Q2 revenue of $2.3 million and an operating loss of $18.6 million. Until the company launches a products, its revenue could remain nascent, while operating losses pile up.
That said, Abutus has more than HBV going for it. The upside for the stock appears tremendous. ABUS could become the next meme stock. Read more:
