Barinthus Biotherapeutics (BRNS) on Friday reported "encouraging" results from its ongoing phase 2b HBV003 trial for chronic hepatitis B.

The study, involving 121 participants, assessed VTP-300 in combination with a low dose of anti-PD1 antibody nivolumab, and new data shows eight participants achieved complete HBsAg loss, while two met the criteria for a functional cure, the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company said.

Barinthus said the ongoing study data shows that stronger responses could occur in patients treated with the VTP-300 and nivolumab. Preliminary safety data also showed that the treatment was well-tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported as of the data cutoff, the company said.

Shares of Barinthus Biotherapeutics were down more than 16% in recent Friday trading.

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