5 Best Biotech Penny Stocks to Buy in 2026

2. Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) is one of the best biotech penny stocks to buy in 2026. On March 23, Arbutus Biopharma concluded 2025 in a robust financial position, reporting $91.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31. The company narrowed its annual net loss to $33.5 million ($0.17 per share), compared to $69.9 million in the previous year. This improvement was driven by a disciplined restructuring that reduced R&D expenses by ~$29 million and shifted the corporate focus toward its leading clinical programs, imdusiran and AB-101.

A major corporate milestone was reached on March 3, when Arbutus and its partner Genevant Sciences entered into a $2.25 billion global settlement with Moderna. The agreement resolves long-standing patent infringement litigation regarding lipid nanoparticle/LNP delivery technology. Arbutus is set to receive 20% of a $950 million upfront payment in July, after litigation costs, with an additional $1.3 billion contingent on future appellate rulings. Due to this substantial capital influx, management is currently evaluating a return of capital to its shareholders in Q3 2026.

On the clinical front, Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) reported that two additional patients in Phase 2a trials for imdusiran achieved a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, bringing the total to ten patients to date. The company also recognized revenue from a milestone payment under its LNP license with Alnylam for a hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, further validating its proprietary delivery platform.

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) develops therapies targeting infectious diseases, including chronic hepatitis B.