Denver, Colorado – New data presented this week at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2026 offers promising developments in the fight against chronic hepatitis B and provides a glimpse into potential new strategies for combating COVID-19. Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGS) highlighted positive results from studies on both its lead hepatitis B candidate, pevifoscorvir sodium, and its pan-coronavirus 3CL protease inhibitor, ALG-097558. These findings, shared at the annual conference held February 22-25, underscore ongoing efforts to address significant global health challenges. The focus on viral hepatitis at CROI 2026 reflects the continued necessitate for innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes in this area.
The most advanced data presented centered on pevifoscorvir sodium, a potent CAM-E (capsid assembly modulator) currently in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Aligos shared results from a Phase 1 monotherapy study, demonstrating the drug’s potential to suppress the virus. Chronic HBV infection affects an estimated 296 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Current treatments can manage the infection but rarely achieve a functional cure. The need for more effective therapies remains critical, and pevifoscorvir sodium represents a novel approach.
Pevifoscorvir Sodium Shows Promise in Phase 1 Trials
The Phase 1 study of pevifoscorvir sodium evaluated its safety and antiviral activity in participants with chronic HBV. According to a press release from Aligos, the data presented at CROI 2026 showed encouraging results. Whereas specific details of the viral load reduction were not immediately available, the company emphasized the positive trend observed in the study. Importantly, the presentation likewise included data regarding the drug’s safety profile in participants with varying degrees of renal impairment, a crucial consideration for long-term treatment. TipRanks reported that the renal safety data is particularly significant, potentially broadening the drug’s applicability to a wider patient population.
ALG-097558: A Potential New Weapon Against Coronaviruses
Beyond hepatitis B, Aligos also presented data on ALG-097558, a ritonavir-free pan-coronavirus 3CL protease inhibitor. This drug is designed to target a key enzyme used by coronaviruses to replicate, offering a potential broad-spectrum antiviral approach. The presentation at CROI 2026 focused on the pharmacokinetics of ALG-097558 in participants with hepatic and renal impairment. Understanding how the drug is processed by the body in individuals with compromised liver and kidney function is essential for determining appropriate dosing and maximizing its effectiveness. Aligos Therapeutics noted that the ALG-097558 project has received funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Government Funding Supports COVID-19 Research
The financial support from NIAID highlights the ongoing commitment of government agencies to develop new treatments for COVID-19 and other viral threats. The development of ALG-097558, as a ritonavir-free protease inhibitor, is particularly noteworthy. Ritonavir, often used to “boost” the effectiveness of other antiviral drugs, can have significant side effects and drug interactions. A ritonavir-free formulation could offer a safer and more convenient treatment option. Stock Titan reported that the data suggests the drug shows promise in achieving high levels of viral suppression.
Lawrence Blatt, Ph.D., M.B.A., Chairman, President, and CEO of Aligos Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the data presented at CROI, stating, “We are pleased to continue showcasing the best/first-in-class pevifoscorvir sodium data from the Phase 1 study in participants with chronic HBV infection.” He also emphasized the company’s continued progress in its COVID-19 program, supported by government grants.
The presentations from Aligos at CROI 2026 contribute to a growing body of research aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in viral diseases. While these are early-stage findings, they offer a hopeful outlook for the development of new and more effective treatments for both chronic hepatitis B and COVID-19. The company plans to present further data on ALG-097558 on February 25, 2026.
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The next key date for Aligos Therapeutics is February 25, 2026, when they are scheduled to present the full data set for ALG-097558 at CROI 2026. We will continue to follow these developments and provide updates as they become available. What are your thoughts on these promising developments in antiviral research? Share your comments below.
