Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (ASMB)
Assembly Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Their lead product candidate, Vebicorvir, has completed Phase 2 clinical trials.
Company Overview
Assembly Biosciences pioneers innovative HBV therapies, with Vebicorvir advancing through clinical trials, positioning them to address a significant unmet medical need in chronic hepatitis B treatment and capitalize on strategic collaborations for future growth and market expansion, despite current financial challenges.
Investment Thesis
Assembly Biosciences presents a compelling, albeit high-risk, investment opportunity within the HBV therapeutics space. The company's lead candidate, Vebicorvir, has shown promise in Phase 2 trials, offering a potential breakthrough in chronic HBV treatment. Strategic collaborations with BeiGene, Arbutus, and Antios provide avenues for combination therapies and expanded market reach. With a market cap of $0.23 billion, Assembly Bio offers significant upside potential if its clinical programs succeed. Key value drivers include the successful advancement of Vebicorvir through Phase 3 trials and the potential for regulatory approval. The development of ABI-H3733 and ABI-4334 further diversifies the pipeline and mitigates risk. However, investors should be aware of the company's negative profit margin of -103.6% and the inherent risks associated with clinical-stage biotechnology companies. The company's ability to secure additional funding and navigate regulatory hurdles will be critical to its long-term success.
Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $0.23 billion indicates the company's current valuation in the market.
- P/E Ratio of -5.21 reflects the company's current lack of profitability.
- Gross Margin of 18.2% shows the percentage of revenue exceeding the cost of goods sold.
- Profit Margin of -103.6% indicates that the company's expenses significantly exceed its revenue.
- Beta of 1.15 suggests that the stock is slightly more volatile than the market.
Competitors
Strengths
- Promising lead product candidate, Vebicorvir, in Phase 2 clinical trials.
- Novel core inhibitor technology targeting HBV.
- Strategic collaborations with BeiGene, Arbutus, and Antios.
- Experienced management team with expertise in HBV drug development.
Weaknesses
- Clinical-stage company with no currently approved products.
- Negative profit margin and reliance on external funding.
- High risk of clinical trial failure.
- Competition from established pharmaceutical companies in the HBV market.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Announcement of Phase 3 clinical trial results for Vebicorvir.
- Ongoing: Progression of ABI-H3733 through Phase 2 clinical trials.
- Ongoing: Expansion of strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical companies.
- Ongoing: Potential for breakthrough therapy designation from regulatory agencies.
Risks
- Potential: Failure of Vebicorvir in Phase 3 clinical trials.
- Ongoing: Competition from established HBV therapies.
- Potential: Delays in regulatory approval process.
- Ongoing: Dependence on external funding to support operations.
- Ongoing: Intellectual property challenges or patent disputes.
Growth Opportunities
- Advancement of Vebicorvir: The successful completion of Phase 3 clinical trials and subsequent regulatory approval of Vebicorvir represent a significant growth opportunity for Assembly Biosciences. The global market for HBV therapeutics is substantial, with projections estimating continued growth due to the high prevalence of chronic HBV infection. Positive clinical data and a successful market launch could generate significant revenue streams for the company. Timeline: Anticipated completion of Phase 3 trials within the next 2-3 years.
- Development of ABI-H3733: The continued development of ABI-H3733, currently in Phase 1a clinical study, offers another avenue for growth. This compound represents a next-generation HBV therapy and could potentially address limitations of existing treatments. Successful clinical development and eventual commercialization would further diversify Assembly Bio's product portfolio and revenue streams. Timeline: Phase 2 trials expected to commence within the next 1-2 years.
- Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging existing collaborations with BeiGene, Arbutus, and Antios to develop triple combination therapies for chronic HBV infection. These collaborations provide access to complementary technologies and expertise, accelerating the development of novel treatment regimens. Successful development and commercialization of combination therapies could significantly expand Assembly Bio's market reach and revenue potential. Timeline: Ongoing, with potential for new combination therapies to enter clinical trials within the next year.
- Expansion of Intellectual Property Portfolio: Assembly Biosciences can pursue strategic license agreements and acquisitions to expand its intellectual property portfolio and technological capabilities. This would strengthen its competitive position and provide access to new targets and therapeutic modalities. A robust IP portfolio is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability in the biotechnology industry. Timeline: Ongoing, with potential for new license agreements to be announced within the next year.
- Geographic Expansion: Expanding commercial operations beyond the United States to address the global burden of HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV is particularly high in Asia and Africa, representing significant market opportunities. Establishing partnerships and distribution networks in these regions would enable Assembly Bio to reach a larger patient population and generate additional revenue. Timeline: Potential expansion into Asian markets within the next 3-5 years.
Opportunities
- Successful completion of Phase 3 trials and regulatory approval of Vebicorvir.
- Expansion of pipeline with new HBV drug candidates.
- Development of combination therapies with partner companies.
- Geographic expansion into high-prevalence HBV regions.
Threats
- Failure to obtain regulatory approval for its drug candidates.
- Competition from new and existing HBV therapies.
- Changes in regulatory requirements or reimbursement policies.
- Economic downturn or unfavorable market conditions.
Competitive Advantages
- Proprietary core inhibitor technology targeting different stages of the HBV lifecycle.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio protecting its drug candidates and technologies.
- Established collaborations with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
- Clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates.
About
Assembly Biosciences, Inc., founded in 2005 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Originally incorporated as Ventrus Biosciences, Inc., the company rebranded in June 2014 to reflect its strategic focus on HBV. Assembly Bio's primary focus is on advancing its pipeline of core inhibitors targeting different stages of the HBV lifecycle. Their lead product candidate, Vebicorvir, has completed Phase 2 clinical trials, demonstrating the potential to significantly impact the treatment landscape for patients with chronic HBV infection. In addition to Vebicorvir, Assembly Bio is also developing ABI-H3733, which has completed Phase 1a clinical study, and ABI-4334, currently in pre-clinical trials. These compounds represent the next generation of HBV therapies. The company has established strategic collaboration agreements with BeiGene, Ltd., Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, and Antios Therapeutics, Inc., to explore triple combination treatments for chronic HBV. These collaborations underscore Assembly Bio's commitment to innovation and its collaborative approach to addressing the complexities of HBV treatment. Furthermore, Assembly Bio has strategic license agreements with Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation and Door Pharmaceuticals, LLC, enhancing its intellectual property portfolio and technological capabilities.
What They Do
- Discovers and develops therapeutic candidates for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Focuses on advancing its pipeline of core inhibitors targeting different stages of the HBV lifecycle.
- Conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates.
- Collaborates with other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop combination therapies.
- Seeks regulatory approval for its drug candidates from agencies such as the FDA.
- Commercializes and markets its approved therapies to healthcare providers and patients.
Business Model
- Develops and patents novel therapeutic candidates for HBV infection.
- Out-licenses or co-develops its drug candidates with larger pharmaceutical companies.
- Generates revenue through milestone payments, royalties, and product sales.
- Secures funding through venture capital, public offerings, and strategic partnerships.
Industry Context
Assembly Biosciences operates within the competitive biotechnology industry, specifically targeting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapeutics market. This market is characterized by a high unmet medical need, driving significant research and development efforts. The competitive landscape includes companies like Arbutus Biopharma (ARCT), Entasis Therapeutics (ENTA), Fortress Biotech (FHTX), and Immuron Limited (IMRX), all striving to develop more effective HBV treatments. The global HBV therapeutics market is expected to grow, driven by increasing prevalence of chronic HBV infection and advancements in treatment options. Assembly Bio's focus on core inhibitors and combination therapies positions it to potentially capture a significant share of this growing market.
Key Customers
- Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Hospitals and clinics that treat HBV patients.
- Physicians who prescribe HBV therapies.
- Pharmaceutical companies that partner with Assembly Bio to develop combination therapies.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $11M | -$9M | $0.00 |
| Q2 2025 | $10M | -$10M | $0.00 |
| Q1 2025 | $9M | -$9M | $0.00 |
| Q4 2024 | $7M | -$10M | $0.00 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (ASMB) stock price: $27.82 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying indicates strong confidence in ASMB's future, suggesting leadership believes in the company's potential.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively, with increased discussions about upcoming product launches that could drive growth.
- •Analysts have highlighted ASMB's robust pipeline, which could lead to significant revenue opportunities in the near future.
- •Market perception is buoyed by recent partnerships that enhance ASMB's credibility and expand its reach in the industry.
Why Bear
- •Concerns about regulatory hurdles have surfaced, with some investors wary of potential delays impacting product timelines.
- •The community has voiced skepticism over ASMB's ability to compete against larger players, which may limit market share.
- •Recent earnings reports have not met optimistic expectations, leading to a cautious outlook among some investors.
- •There is a growing narrative around the volatility of biotech stocks, which could deter risk-averse investors from ASMB.
Latest News
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Stocks That Hit 52-Week Lows On Friday
benzinga · Feb 18, 2022
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Stocks Which Set New 52-Week Low Friday, October 5th
· Oct 8, 2018
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for ASMB including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for ASMB.
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Current price: $27.82
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ASMB.
Price Targets
Median: $39.00 (+40.2% from current price)
Insider Flow (30d)
No insider trades in the last 30 days.
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 10/100
Revenue surged 298.2% year-over-year, indicating explosive demand and rapid market share expansion.
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Gross Margin 3/100
Gross margin of 18.2% is below average, suggesting thin margins and potential pricing pressure.
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Operating Leverage 6/100
Revenue growth is driving operating leverage, meaning profits can grow faster than costs.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Limited cash of $38M could constrain flexibility; watch for dilution risk or debt issuance.
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R&D Intensity 10/100
Investing 196.1% of revenue in R&D signals heavy commitment to innovation and future product pipeline.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 10/100
Daily turnover of 2.61% indicates healthy liquidity with smooth entry/exit for investors.
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Price Momentum 3/100
Weak momentum with few bullish signals. The stock may be in a downtrend or consolidation phase.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ASMB's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Assembly Biosciences, Inc. do?
Assembly Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on developing innovative therapies for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Their primary focus is on advancing their pipeline of core inhibitors, with Vebicorvir as their lead candidate currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. They also have other compounds in earlier stages of development. Assembly Bio aims to address the unmet medical need in chronic HBV treatment through novel therapeutic approaches and strategic collaborations with other companies in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
Is ASMB stock a good buy?
ASMB stock represents a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity. The company's success hinges on the clinical development and regulatory approval of its HBV drug candidates, particularly Vebicorvir. While positive Phase 2 results are encouraging, Phase 3 trials are critical. The company's negative profit margin and reliance on external funding pose financial risks. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and conduct thorough due diligence before investing. The potential for significant upside exists if Assembly Bio successfully commercializes its therapies.
What are the main risks for ASMB?
The primary risks for Assembly Biosciences include the inherent uncertainties of clinical drug development, particularly the risk of failure in Phase 3 trials. Competition from established pharmaceutical companies and existing HBV therapies also poses a significant threat. Regulatory hurdles and potential delays in the approval process could impact the company's timeline and financial projections. Furthermore, Assembly Bio's reliance on external funding and its negative profit margin create financial vulnerabilities. Intellectual property challenges and patent disputes could also negatively affect the company's prospects.
Is ASMB a good stock to buy?
Whether ASMB is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Review the Investment Thesis, SWOT analysis, and Risk sections on this page. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor before investing.
What is the ASMB MoonshotScore?
MoonshotScore is our proprietary AI-powered rating system that evaluates stocks based on growth potential, financial health, market momentum, and risk factors. It helps investors quickly identify high-potential opportunities. Check the MoonshotScore badge on this page for the current rating.
How often is ASMB data updated?
Stock prices are updated in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET). Company fundamentals, analyst ratings, and AI insights are refreshed daily. News is updated continuously throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for ASMB?
Growth catalysts vary by company and may include new product launches, market expansion, earnings surprises, partnerships, or industry tailwinds. Check the Catalysts section on this page for specific drivers relevant to Assembly Biosciences, Inc..
Who are ASMB's main competitors?
Assembly Biosciences, Inc.'s competitors depend on its industry and market segments. Check the Competitors section on this page for a list of direct competitors and how ASMB compares.
What do analysts say about ASMB?
Analyst ratings and price targets for ASMB are aggregated from multiple sources. Check the Analyst Consensus tab for buy/hold/sell ratings and the current consensus price target.
What is ASMB's market cap?
Market capitalization reflects the total market value of ASMB's outstanding shares. Check the Key Statistics section at the top of this page for the current market cap and other key financial metrics.
How has ASMB stock performed recently?
Check the Chart & Info tab for ASMB's recent price action, including daily, weekly, and monthly performance charts with technical indicators.
What are the risks of investing in ASMB?
Every stock carries risk. Check the Risks and Weaknesses sections on this page for ASMB-specific risk factors. Consider macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, and company-specific challenges.
Are insiders buying or selling ASMB?
Insider activity can signal management confidence. Check the Insider Flow tab for recent insider buys, sells, and exercise transactions for ASMB.
Is ASMB a good stock for beginners?
Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (ASMB) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is ASMB for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (ASMB). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like ASMB.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on publicly available sources and may be subject to change.
- Investment decisions should be based on individual risk tolerance and due diligence.