Arbutus Biopharma (ABUS) Wins FDA Fast Track for Imdusiran

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) is one of the 10 Best Penny Stocks to Buy and Hold Under $5.

On April 14, 2026, Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) announced that the FDA granted Fast Track designation to imdusiran for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, a step that could help accelerate its development and review timeline.

On April 6, 2026, Jefferies lowered its price target on Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ:ABUS) to $5.50 from $7 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing updated assumptions around the outcome of Moderna’s appeal tied to their legal settlement. The firm raised its estimated probability of Moderna prevailing under 28 U.S.C. Section 1498 to 75% from 25%, which would impact the contingent $1.3B payment.

Last month, Arbutus and Genevant Sciences, a subsidiary of Roivant Sciences, reached a global settlement with Moderna valued at up to $2.25B related to the use of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology in COVID-19 vaccines. The agreement includes a $950M upfront payment scheduled for July 2026 and an additional $1.3B contingent on the appellate ruling. The settlement also includes licensing terms, with Moderna receiving a non-exclusive global license for LNP technology in infectious disease applications.

Arbutus Biopharma (ABUS) Wins FDA Fast Track for Imdusiran

disease-4392163_1920

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

While we acknowledge the risk and potential of ABUS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ABUS and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy. 

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.