Assembly Biosciences Inc. has announced positive interim results from two Phase 1b clinical studies evaluating its investigational long-acting herpes simplex virus (HSV) helicase-primase inhibitors, ABI-1179 and ABI-5366, in participants with recurrent genital herpes who are seropositive for HSV-2. The interim data, which have already been reported, include the first Phase 1b results for weekly oral dosing of ABI-1179, showing a 98% reduction in HSV-2 shedding rate, over 99% reduction in high viral load shedding rate, and a 91% reduction in virologically confirmed genital lesion rate at a 50 mg weekly oral dose. For ABI-5366, a monthly oral dosing regimen resulted in a 76% reduction in HSV-2 shedding rate, 81% reduction in high viral load shedding rate, and 88% reduction in virologically confirmed genital lesion rate. The company stated that complete unblinded safety data are available for some cohorts, with additional data expected as the study progresses. Assembly Biosciences held a conference call to discuss these results and has made a webcast replay available on its investor relations website.