

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreements" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlow" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlow" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossStatement" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossStatement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitments" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#ContingenciesAndCommitments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/EquityMethodInvestment" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#EquityMethodInvestment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfLiabilitiesClassifiedAsStockOptionDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfLiabilitiesClassifiedAsStockOptionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#LeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#LeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTermAndDiscountRateDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#LeasesWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTermAndDiscountRateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAndFutureOperations" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#NatureOfBusinessAndFutureOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfComputationOfBasicAndDilutedIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfComputationOfBasicAndDilutedIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidation" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SiteConsolidation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationConsolidationExpensesDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SiteConsolidationConsolidationExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SiteConsolidationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationReserveActivityDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SiteConsolidationReserveActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationTables" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SiteConsolidationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_B79E92AB04C25F0491FB01682A620571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_D271D8BAF930580E819A7DCC26BA2A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_B79E92AB04C25F0491FB01682A620571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_D271D8BAF930580E819A7DCC26BA2A99" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent_725C60B191DD58FFA644F19059370419" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent_725C60B191DD58FFA644F19059370419" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment_733FCD9970BC54F4B8124469C7825BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment_733FCD9970BC54F4B8124469C7825BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_80FC9E603989591DBAB4E1040040C8EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_80FC9E603989591DBAB4E1040040C8EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent" xlink:label="loc_abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent_3715FA43CC71573EA9225477FBC09862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent_3715FA43CC71573EA9225477FBC09862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_18A825314BDC50BCBD7AF998041CB290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_18A825314BDC50BCBD7AF998041CB290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_5286C47BCD885CFAB907E305AAEB7FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_A1AB32FCF3DB5A719041445C396E775F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_5286C47BCD885CFAB907E305AAEB7FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_420C27B1398E59FFA535A4B3C10DDD55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_496E60DDFF745259AFB8CAE260FE77CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_420C27B1398E59FFA535A4B3C10DDD55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_496E60DDFF745259AFB8CAE260FE77CB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_08BB51CA98A056D19459EA7FDC7ECBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_0336FF52238652E79EFC946A7E59D689" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_08BB51CA98A056D19459EA7FDC7ECBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_0336FF52238652E79EFC946A7E59D689" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9C44F22CF3F0A458A8641180B6F49ED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9C44F22CF3F0A458A8641180B6F49ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_C538963AD2E9587779791180B6F47DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_C538963AD2E9587779791180B6F47DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_5F0B7317A9987DEC6D721180B6F4286D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_5F0B7317A9987DEC6D721180B6F4286D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_E9841B89C20B50E560681180B6F4603D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_BA91F5D52C8C7D0F24FF1180B6F4CF6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_E9841B89C20B50E560681180B6F4603D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_E145DB0255E482A04A8A1180B6F49623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_E145DB0255E482A04A8A1180B6F49623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_BED725BAA44E65FD66771180B6F4B040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_BED725BAA44E65FD66771180B6F4B040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_38DA2635D7AFE57E26AA1180B6F4B78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_38DA2635D7AFE57E26AA1180B6F4B78B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_60D73026C253EAF836561180B6F49AE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_60D73026C253EAF836561180B6F49AE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_66AC721C79424C11BA8B1180B6F4A3A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_66AC721C79424C11BA8B1180B6F4A3A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_806F452DB53018C2B5E31180B6F436B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_78C969E5C5924D231A8F1180B6F4A95A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_806F452DB53018C2B5E31180B6F436B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_474B06009FE4D43C9BF31180B6F48C52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_474B06009FE4D43C9BF31180B6F48C52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_9B1F4B0418941A7695011180B6F431E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_9B1F4B0418941A7695011180B6F431E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent_1A5B5834FE51462AB70E1180B6F47A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent_1A5B5834FE51462AB70E1180B6F47A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding_A3F868325B011F917D381180B6F4ED6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding_A3F868325B011F917D381180B6F4ED6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_66F4A8BB7717513A76AB1180B6F45514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_C36279381904AA50AFF41180B6F47828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_66F4A8BB7717513A76AB1180B6F45514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3F4B08BD62DB762E45621180B6F4A307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3F4B08BD62DB762E45621180B6F4A307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent_05A722B2B1B772B7A3BB1180B6F41F53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent_05A722B2B1B772B7A3BB1180B6F41F53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_66311B40466E174809751180B6F4DA31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_66311B40466E174809751180B6F4DA31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_8A99E48ECF90D6AF56B21180B6F42BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_8A99E48ECF90D6AF56B21180B6F42BBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_CDD8D2AE29C44EFEAD391180B6F4102C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_4EA5CB7B7F309B4E95351180B6F4426D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_CDD8D2AE29C44EFEAD391180B6F4102C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_2A2543EEB4F6CC8DD5CD1180B6F4801E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_2A2543EEB4F6CC8DD5CD1180B6F4801E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount_C38865C49D71E8AD8BD01180B6F4BBB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount_C38865C49D71E8AD8BD01180B6F4BBB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_73F821EC98C91C3917A51180B6F4FE27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_73F821EC98C91C3917A51180B6F4FE27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_077A427B69DB7568C05F1180B6F4E086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_077A427B69DB7568C05F1180B6F4E086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_5CB8CF63A320AF1063E41180B6F4C99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_5CB8CF63A320AF1063E41180B6F4C99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6A7DE74FF6F63C9152481180B6F432D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6A7DE74FF6F63C9152481180B6F432D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_C1A789CBB8F1AE7BAFB61180B6F4DA62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9EBA2F7E478D49E5476F1180B6F492D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_C1A789CBB8F1AE7BAFB61180B6F4DA62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_09F719484E8056F145BE1180B6F431BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EC0B3EF625C90628CCF21180B6F4C4DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_09F719484E8056F145BE1180B6F431BC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_3DC5FF16971C52AB826364F52DB0950D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_3DC5FF16971C52AB826364F52DB0950D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockNoParValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockNoParValue_85A7B268E4495CCAA47FC9FF95ABA472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockNoParValue_85A7B268E4495CCAA47FC9FF95ABA472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_CD170F09121E536DA32122A46D47E34F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_CD170F09121E536DA32122A46D47E34F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_73A8EB6D04605A45A26474FA7D07BFE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_73A8EB6D04605A45A26474FA7D07BFE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_1EC104F7EB6855BB8DAC3521FA4F12A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_1EC104F7EB6855BB8DAC3521FA4F12A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_F64BFE87624A5E87AA99F8E6E0DF59B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue_F64BFE87624A5E87AA99F8E6E0DF59B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_D8BDD1A3126150AAADB761BEB526C287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_D8BDD1A3126150AAADB761BEB526C287" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_A99B23451D9C5AC3BD7A26A83C7E0E13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_D633DD3BD0415A32B94B85A44D766F3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_A99B23451D9C5AC3BD7A26A83C7E0E13" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_ACBF0531C1AE84AD4F77538D8DC0D72D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9339A1B65F38E928C79B538D8DC04AC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_ACBF0531C1AE84AD4F77538D8DC0D72D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9339A1B65F38E928C79B538D8DC04AC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9FB191B10E19DBF7B400538D8DC03561" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9339A1B65F38E928C79B538D8DC04AC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9FB191B10E19DBF7B400538D8DC03561" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9FB191B10E19DBF7B400538D8DC03561" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_A190F3B9EEA6DAAD31D6538D8DC11770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_A190F3B9EEA6DAAD31D6538D8DC11770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9C0EB40846709E2D0AA2538D8DC1BEA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9C0EB40846709E2D0AA2538D8DC1BEA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_0E9B71B3EE2D44009178538D8DC16A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_0E9B71B3EE2D44009178538D8DC16A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_BF0A850C6631AFF76AFB538D8DC1BBEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_BF0A850C6631AFF76AFB538D8DC1BBEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_B915EF4C5D7F8F978D9C538D8DC23FB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F82192AB41965B6BF162538D8DC0F9E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_B915EF4C5D7F8F978D9C538D8DC23FB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9339A1B65F38E928C79B538D8DC04AC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_D551F3E58496E9F797E3538D8DC2C5B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_D551F3E58496E9F797E3538D8DC2C5B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_047F55B675DCA8DA0979538D8DC2253B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_047F55B675DCA8DA0979538D8DC2253B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount_1326CEA50C3A55374010538D8DC2091D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount_1326CEA50C3A55374010538D8DC2091D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_49ABD489333EDE042001538D8DC27767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_49ABD489333EDE042001538D8DC27767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards" xlink:label="loc_abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards_0D666E64DD476CF2C93E538D8DC3CA0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards_0D666E64DD476CF2C93E538D8DC3CA0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_CE2F6EFE81036F2109AA538D8DC3E5DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_CE2F6EFE81036F2109AA538D8DC3E5DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_BC93AE3930C005FBC881538D8DC3946C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_BC93AE3930C005FBC881538D8DC3946C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF2F8B82E85753212C12538D8DC36E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF2F8B82E85753212C12538D8DC36E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_E1CE3159E1CF9BF5017A538D8DC3696D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_E1CE3159E1CF9BF5017A538D8DC3696D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4B85CC5D833584F8F2B5538D8DC3034B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4B85CC5D833584F8F2B5538D8DC3034B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8C582D6A3E5F406A7E5F538D8DC4FFCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8C582D6A3E5F406A7E5F538D8DC4FFCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_61D17EFE122C259117DD538D8DC43B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_61D17EFE122C259117DD538D8DC43B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_606F3653D37F95BDA425538D8DC435BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A39A29296CD89250618538D8DC2DCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_606F3653D37F95BDA425538D8DC435BD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6A04FB6AF0C15C9941FC1180B6D59C9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_A24FC72CF8CC690DABBF1180B6D5A096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6A04FB6AF0C15C9941FC1180B6D59C9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_A24FC72CF8CC690DABBF1180B6D5A096" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlow" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A9A8531A914AB7D555F811548B892A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A9A8531A914AB7D555F811548B892A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_55F0CC049207F8CD0B4B11548B8ABCC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_55F0CC049207F8CD0B4B11548B8ABCC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_0ACB530D2A8DF5A9130811548B8A1B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_0ACB530D2A8DF5A9130811548B8A1B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_DCC3713DEC33C7F7B74711548B8A62E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_DCC3713DEC33C7F7B74711548B8A62E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized_FBD982D004808F47B3FC11548B8A58BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized_FBD982D004808F47B3FC11548B8A58BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_2A877D8BBE6BB93A6A1F11548B8B6409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_2A877D8BBE6BB93A6A1F11548B8B6409" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_3058AB9EB94DF3543B79115D0EF066FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_3058AB9EB94DF3543B79115D0EF066FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_0419F15CDC6C59B8B483115820941334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_0419F15CDC6C59B8B483115820941334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_198370FD13A78EB0173111548B8B9003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_47959D5903C1FFCBF38B11548B8AD270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_198370FD13A78EB0173111548B8B9003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_BF902E181771732908DC11548B8B9D79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_BF902E181771732908DC11548B8B9D79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_2F1D5CB2F544C8DE01A811548B8CF317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_2F1D5CB2F544C8DE01A811548B8CF317" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_7DCE12F3896F81739E67115A9DB97523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_7DCE12F3896F81739E67115A9DB97523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_C0A25AFF212B0587DD2211548B8C102F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_C0A25AFF212B0587DD2211548B8C102F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_E59CE213A281EEE3A52711548B8C45B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_E59CE213A281EEE3A52711548B8C45B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestructuringReserve_23232AFF50C0730E75A511548B8C0382" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestructuringReserve_23232AFF50C0730E75A511548B8C0382" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_6AC2127FA6196F26ED0011548B8C240C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_90DF20EB8ACCD9CEC82311548B8BD856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_6AC2127FA6196F26ED0011548B8C240C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_04FCE173A32920A1D21911548B8DAD42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_982E3DBC994757B1FB1C11548B894DDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_04FCE173A32920A1D21911548B8DAD42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments_7F94416BB62AEF2D12EE11548B8D0921" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments_7F94416BB62AEF2D12EE11548B8D0921" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments_5B26060A681BF29F631011548B8DFEA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRestrictedInvestments_5B26060A681BF29F631011548B8DFEA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1BA43EB1EEE0C94DDFA111548B8DAA05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1BA43EB1EEE0C94DDFA111548B8DAA05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_2D3EFD597BEA64B864AB11548B8E2213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_2D3EFD597BEA64B864AB11548B8E2213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_DCFFA1BAF2533ED9206611548B8ED742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_3F378327BCBAF064525111548B8D0B3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_DCFFA1BAF2533ED9206611548B8ED742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_E658B7B505E2EAB28DE311548B8EDAC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_E658B7B505E2EAB28DE311548B8EDAC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_91C7DBEF13887CD9487C1160B356F1DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_91C7DBEF13887CD9487C1160B356F1DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_CF7732DC3C92FE01C3CD11548B8EF7C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_CF7732DC3C92FE01C3CD11548B8EF7C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_10EA247ADDA8980FD78F11548B8F14B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_10EA247ADDA8980FD78F11548B8F14B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_4A4DD2921245B6F5810911548B8F0363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_3E5535E2297C26130D0F11548B8E0FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_4A4DD2921245B6F5810911548B8F0363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_68BEAEA4B23267B9201611548B8F3368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_68BEAEA4B23267B9201611548B8F3368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_61A07DB032EA3E50540B11548B8F0EC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_61A07DB032EA3E50540B11548B8F0EC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_4EF6AF19FFD307F3571E11548B8FFF1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_4EF6AF19FFD307F3571E11548B8FFF1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7EF077C3F33210BA8DD211548B8F3DB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7EF077C3F33210BA8DD211548B8F3DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_F65C19FC04CA3706353A11548B8F677A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B53D7AB721076432547511548B898C42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_F65C19FC04CA3706353A11548B8F677A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_62FDD13797C69C21CF1311548B90A537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_F65C19FC04CA3706353A11548B8F677A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_62FDD13797C69C21CF1311548B90A537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_A1ED361D18240733E13011548B90D0DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_62FDD13797C69C21CF1311548B90A537" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_A1ED361D18240733E13011548B90D0DB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossStatement" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_91EEF31218A502907EC011548BA34DF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_CB7896559DEFF86F0CD511548BA38351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_91EEF31218A502907EC011548BA34DF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_CB7896559DEFF86F0CD511548BA38351" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_CDEBCFF9C68E3FE2CAFB11548BA3CFB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_91EEF31218A502907EC011548BA34DF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_CDEBCFF9C68E3FE2CAFB11548BA3CFB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_C18A04AFB44E13FB223711548BA39881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_CDEBCFF9C68E3FE2CAFB11548BA3CFB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_C18A04AFB44E13FB223711548BA39881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_BF537391F7EC3CFDDD0C11548BA407CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_91EEF31218A502907EC011548BA34DF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_BF537391F7EC3CFDDD0C11548BA407CD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_6CB1DBD36E4E7C2A6D841180B6E44D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_6CB1DBD36E4E7C2A6D841180B6E44D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D281AC6F6FA786F54F071180B6E4FB46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_6CB1DBD36E4E7C2A6D841180B6E44D81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D281AC6F6FA786F54F071180B6E4FB46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_423787FC495C510CAEF11180B6E41C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_423787FC495C510CAEF11180B6E41C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_FD470C4008BAA256B65E1180B6E4E025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_FD470C4008BAA256B65E1180B6E4E025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_484E2C7125884A00055A1180B6E4907D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_484E2C7125884A00055A1180B6E4907D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BF19B9B8F74E1F647AEC1180B6E4512D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BF19B9B8F74E1F647AEC1180B6E4512D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_ED18CABE074D2413EB251180B6E4DA7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_315CEC26DE4542CD726C1180B6E49218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_ED18CABE074D2413EB251180B6E4DA7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_26311EEA55D95AC636941180B6E47EE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_26311EEA55D95AC636941180B6E47EE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_B8D67852DB22C7994F5C1180B6E458C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_B8D67852DB22C7994F5C1180B6E458C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_E0443B59497028EAE0F51180B6E4930C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_E0443B59497028EAE0F51180B6E4930C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_7B37D08CCD7B087E84DB1180B6E44B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_7B37D08CCD7B087E84DB1180B6E44B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_8B796C6C51F63FFB2745118B3A0DDC62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_8B796C6C51F63FFB2745118B3A0DDC62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_853C32FCACD0FE48C25D1180B6E4BB93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_853C32FCACD0FE48C25D1180B6E4BB93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability_CCA26E5A2ACF35D5F65D1180B6E4FA3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability_CCA26E5A2ACF35D5F65D1180B6E4FA3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_BAAE8FC45D001C9EB8911180B6E42094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_BAAE8FC45D001C9EB8911180B6E42094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_EB7FABDBA01D61DCE877118C1F6BB817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_84BB2E6703004884B4CB1180B6E4B2A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_EB7FABDBA01D61DCE877118C1F6BB817" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_375D7F14B93D5ADAAC531180B6E490E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_375D7F14B93D5ADAAC531180B6E490E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_73B3418E6C94873D79EA1180B6E48D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_375D7F14B93D5ADAAC531180B6E490E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_73B3418E6C94873D79EA1180B6E48D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_425D7687A353B3CA6EE81180B6E45CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_425D7687A353B3CA6EE81180B6E45CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90CF563BCC7146BD14441180B6E4E644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90CF563BCC7146BD14441180B6E4E644" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1690EF84F0A924EAEAA4118D354607E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90CF563BCC7146BD14441180B6E4E644" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1690EF84F0A924EAEAA4118D354607E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_A1B13258260C988533C6118DCE3AD6EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90CF563BCC7146BD14441180B6E4E644" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_A1B13258260C988533C6118DCE3AD6EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_FF2661390206423E87941180B6E4D450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_5D0BAB8BFB3D0DDD95F11180B6E417F1" xlink:to="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_FF2661390206423E87941180B6E4D450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_50781BC19B978EF8743D118DAA6C9110" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_FF2661390206423E87941180B6E4D450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_50781BC19B978EF8743D118DAA6C9110" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BA009376398099D1EA3E118DCE480933" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_FF2661390206423E87941180B6E4D450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BA009376398099D1EA3E118DCE480933" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_54C575E8FB3055A39228DAC08E09AF8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_9C66E70C03295D3A9B3A6B35E641B9EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_54C575E8FB3055A39228DAC08E09AF8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_9C66E70C03295D3A9B3A6B35E641B9EE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_8170884379F7F037D04B538D8C289C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_8170884379F7F037D04B538D8C289C1F" xlink:to="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FE7D4798BC46807DBBCF538D8C286D9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FE7D4798BC46807DBBCF538D8C286D9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1A70623A51A555E43756538D8C2805DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FE7D4798BC46807DBBCF538D8C286D9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1A70623A51A555E43756538D8C2805DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_BBE17811DCB7D92CAB3F538D8C28B26E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1A70623A51A555E43756538D8C2805DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_BBE17811DCB7D92CAB3F538D8C28B26E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3114D7FC5C076BF5292F538D8C2899D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3114D7FC5C076BF5292F538D8C2899D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_B91F1CE4F0E0842C1DFB538D8C2855C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3114D7FC5C076BF5292F538D8C2899D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_B91F1CE4F0E0842C1DFB538D8C2855C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_A4893944AA7E454CDAFA538D8C28BED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_B91F1CE4F0E0842C1DFB538D8C2855C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_A4893944AA7E454CDAFA538D8C28BED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5D3444C0F361E0579AA7538D8C283FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5D3444C0F361E0579AA7538D8C283FD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_357E201C11AEE7BC215B538D8C2875F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5D3444C0F361E0579AA7538D8C283FD6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_357E201C11AEE7BC215B538D8C2875F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_BlumbergandDrexelMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_BlumbergandDrexelMember_E14AC585E65FF0715EE2538D8C28579D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_357E201C11AEE7BC215B538D8C2875F6" xlink:to="loc_abus_BlumbergandDrexelMember_E14AC585E65FF0715EE2538D8C28579D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_BlumbergMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_BlumbergMember_C2DFE6523BD1DEC1BE50538D8C28AEBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_357E201C11AEE7BC215B538D8C2875F6" xlink:to="loc_abus_BlumbergMember_C2DFE6523BD1DEC1BE50538D8C28AEBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FA141E2584575C275D67538D8C282837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FA141E2584575C275D67538D8C282837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A4455C43F37BB76DF832538D8C28A6F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FA141E2584575C275D67538D8C282837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A4455C43F37BB76DF832538D8C28A6F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_7A222847DDDA15C7C569538D8C282A4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A4455C43F37BB76DF832538D8C28A6F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_7A222847DDDA15C7C569538D8C282A4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3581BA7B8713B3610D2A538D8C283024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3581BA7B8713B3610D2A538D8C283024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B644F09E006BD7CA0941538D8C289CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3581BA7B8713B3610D2A538D8C283024" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B644F09E006BD7CA0941538D8C289CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ArbutusInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_abus_ArbutusInc.Member_7469674B0A51A3B71895538D8C28CCD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B644F09E006BD7CA0941538D8C289CCE" xlink:to="loc_abus_ArbutusInc.Member_7469674B0A51A3B71895538D8C28CCD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_48434193B1FCEAA3FC97538D8C28AC2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_48434193B1FCEAA3FC97538D8C28AC2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_76167B63EE5943DEB5B1538D8C2835EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_48434193B1FCEAA3FC97538D8C28AC2A" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_76167B63EE5943DEB5B1538D8C2835EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember_7814CAAE415EBE8689D9538D8C28914A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_76167B63EE5943DEB5B1538D8C2835EF" xlink:to="loc_abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember_7814CAAE415EBE8689D9538D8C28914A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D950E3C0D2BB915B5BD538D8C28E203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D950E3C0D2BB915B5BD538D8C28E203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C2249FE63805FFF91D62538D8C28AD52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D950E3C0D2BB915B5BD538D8C28E203" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C2249FE63805FFF91D62538D8C28AD52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EnantigenMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_EnantigenMember_B8BF2BBC09424B39ABF6538D8C388D48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C2249FE63805FFF91D62538D8C28AD52" xlink:to="loc_abus_EnantigenMember_B8BF2BBC09424B39ABF6538D8C388D48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_8E74FA89FD70A125D53E538D8C286E33" xlink:to="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_2297201CE43031F6B5B9538D8C3820EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_2297201CE43031F6B5B9538D8C3820EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_Numberoflegalproceedings" xlink:label="loc_abus_Numberoflegalproceedings_96E6C8531703CF4745A7538D8C381399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_Numberoflegalproceedings_96E6C8531703CF4745A7538D8C381399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_6E272C9FAC0628C82E18538D8C386FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_6E272C9FAC0628C82E18538D8C386FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NumberOfProductsCoveredByPatentAcquiredUnderAgreement" xlink:label="loc_abus_NumberOfProductsCoveredByPatentAcquiredUnderAgreement_936B47F8A0C9E81A3167538D8C38CCBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_NumberOfProductsCoveredByPatentAcquiredUnderAgreement_936B47F8A0C9E81A3167538D8C38CCBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense" xlink:label="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense_77AD7A650CE4D3391B9C538D8C38EB68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense_77AD7A650CE4D3391B9C538D8C38EB68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty" xlink:label="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty_F40499AB6C42A6562934538D8C382738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty_F40499AB6C42A6562934538D8C382738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_68D4C471AA07D0657E1C538D8C388A2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_68D4C471AA07D0657E1C538D8C388A2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NumberofPatentLicenses" xlink:label="loc_abus_NumberofPatentLicenses_96CB6EB0CA86DE295ECB538D8C384192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_NumberofPatentLicenses_96CB6EB0CA86DE295ECB538D8C384192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ContractualObligationAmountOfResearchFundingPerYear" xlink:label="loc_abus_ContractualObligationAmountOfResearchFundingPerYear_4467EED585B381824046538D8C388406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_ContractualObligationAmountOfResearchFundingPerYear_4467EED585B381824046538D8C388406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ResearchFundingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_abus_ResearchFundingPeriod_50F7C39A6EACE4A5AD1E538D8C380AE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_88592B8BB5962366B8A6538D8C385200" xlink:to="loc_abus_ResearchFundingPeriod_50F7C39A6EACE4A5AD1E538D8C380AE4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_50B90E891A3C48A7FE7C52210DF5ACDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_50B90E891A3C48A7FE7C52210DF5ACDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_7135B7EBB5D389E0C1F652210DF8E539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_7135B7EBB5D389E0C1F652210DF8E539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6415CF327FBC5BB1262C52210DF8C248" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6415CF327FBC5BB1262C52210DF8C248" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_18BB5A53904D8EE3436252210DF93375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_18BB5A53904D8EE3436252210DF93375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_B10CD38EC344661F186152210DF9ABAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_B10CD38EC344661F186152210DF9ABAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9D0A0F543AE37505630A52210DF9BC85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9D0A0F543AE37505630A52210DF9BC85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_E2AE6ABD9ACDD30177F552210DF92205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_E2AE6ABD9ACDD30177F552210DF92205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_595E7E8DBED5FA23CCA252210DF9DEA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_595E7E8DBED5FA23CCA252210DF9DEA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_7B2D7F88513179AE18B052210DF9E690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_7B2D7F88513179AE18B052210DF9E690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_72F443ED2339DED239D352210DFA12B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_72F443ED2339DED239D352210DFA12B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_6BABB5AC5F80F428187452210DFA1C19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_6BABB5AC5F80F428187452210DFA1C19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_B8868752FE386F2871F352210DFAF467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_B8868752FE386F2871F352210DFAF467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_CFAA031AE726753841D45221C1C5D617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_CFAA031AE726753841D45221C1C5D617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_F1021498FD7B3E95FEA552210DFA7F75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_54DE65126A607B5BD5F452210DECBBAE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_F1021498FD7B3E95FEA552210DFA7F75" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/EquityMethodInvestment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_9E7C5C04C2535B0B8B4E2935B3697C5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_BDBBF5C6F1C454D5BE98F51A317DF3FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_9E7C5C04C2535B0B8B4E2935B3697C5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_BDBBF5C6F1C454D5BE98F51A317DF3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_6B997884CACA08B9A57C538D8D4BA81A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_3EF3DBAB52AD249D538A538D8D4BC625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_6B997884CACA08B9A57C538D8D4BA81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_3EF3DBAB52AD249D538A538D8D4BC625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_415A9CDAC73C5685B4EA538D8D4CE918" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_3EF3DBAB52AD249D538A538D8D4BC625" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_415A9CDAC73C5685B4EA538D8D4CE918" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CF3616900F41C94231D2538D8D4C07E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_415A9CDAC73C5685B4EA538D8D4CE918" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CF3616900F41C94231D2538D8D4C07E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_217048C8ADE091B6BE1F538D8D4C9AB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CF3616900F41C94231D2538D8D4C07E5" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_217048C8ADE091B6BE1F538D8D4C9AB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A119B230CE083C8A6DA6538D8D4C4F91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_3EF3DBAB52AD249D538A538D8D4BC625" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A119B230CE083C8A6DA6538D8D4C4F91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1DAB76A680DCA65843DD538D8D4DFB8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A119B230CE083C8A6DA6538D8D4C4F91" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1DAB76A680DCA65843DD538D8D4DFB8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_F414D87555633CA11C5C538D8D4DAAEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1DAB76A680DCA65843DD538D8D4DFB8B" xlink:to="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_F414D87555633CA11C5C538D8D4DAAEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_3EF3DBAB52AD249D538A538D8D4BC625" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EquityMethodInvestmentPropertyContribution" xlink:label="loc_abus_EquityMethodInvestmentPropertyContribution_5F123A259AE39B688B8E538D8D4D9EB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:to="loc_abus_EquityMethodInvestmentPropertyContribution_5F123A259AE39B688B8E538D8D4D9EB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_B77217886798B50A0892538D8D4D4050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_B77217886798B50A0892538D8D4D4050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_705D2632D110302DC000538D8D4EAEF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_705D2632D110302DC000538D8D4EAEF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_0AD325CCD24D86786B5C538D8D4EEF04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_EDEEC6425B5752A44B21538D8D4DCA3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_0AD325CCD24D86786B5C538D8D4EEF04" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_903921352F0759BBA1F71A72036DC287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_A696337CC3225F2B83FA7FA558A08CE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_903921352F0759BBA1F71A72036DC287" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_A696337CC3225F2B83FA7FA558A08CE5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2F5B401C38A96228429E1180B6A03129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6A7AB0330981E887C85C1180B6A08886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2F5B401C38A96228429E1180B6A03129" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6A7AB0330981E887C85C1180B6A08886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4E98236C277537029D9F1180B6A0CF35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6A7AB0330981E887C85C1180B6A08886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4E98236C277537029D9F1180B6A0CF35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C70BEA38B9A677D5B1F51180B6A02EB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4E98236C277537029D9F1180B6A0CF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C70BEA38B9A677D5B1F51180B6A02EB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_C7D0A5A83D98D5260E261180B6A0F3D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C70BEA38B9A677D5B1F51180B6A02EB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_C7D0A5A83D98D5260E261180B6A0F3D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07CF0511D5C6F4A86CA91180B6A0128A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6A7AB0330981E887C85C1180B6A08886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07CF0511D5C6F4A86CA91180B6A0128A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6BCB605FABF7668EB5CC1180B6A0EFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_07CF0511D5C6F4A86CA91180B6A0128A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6BCB605FABF7668EB5CC1180B6A0EFBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_EA49DAF55CCF92811BD21180B6A098D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6BCB605FABF7668EB5CC1180B6A0EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_EA49DAF55CCF92811BD21180B6A098D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_64E25E640B5ABE2105781180B6A07364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6BCB605FABF7668EB5CC1180B6A0EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_64E25E640B5ABE2105781180B6A07364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B5DA47FF4EC278A3835F1180B6A08FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6BCB605FABF7668EB5CC1180B6A0EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B5DA47FF4EC278A3835F1180B6A08FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_FF6400F8023BB74AD9781180B6A0A59A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6A7AB0330981E887C85C1180B6A08886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_FF6400F8023BB74AD9781180B6A0A59A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51B28E0909E8434B55831180B6A0FF16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_FF6400F8023BB74AD9781180B6A0A59A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51B28E0909E8434B55831180B6A0FF16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_4AC3AA4AAE1BDB98E7FC1180B6A5CE86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51B28E0909E8434B55831180B6A0FF16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_4AC3AA4AAE1BDB98E7FC1180B6A5CE86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_90663796FCD17052450E1180B6A699C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51B28E0909E8434B55831180B6A0FF16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_90663796FCD17052450E1180B6A699C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_E6CF13C1EC545652C9821180B6A69A0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51B28E0909E8434B55831180B6A0FF16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_E6CF13C1EC545652C9821180B6A69A0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_006BB01C74A95BA1249B1180B6A6FCA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_FF6400F8023BB74AD9781180B6A0A59A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_006BB01C74A95BA1249B1180B6A6FCA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_2A0533F709E1918E39331180B6A6CBAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_006BB01C74A95BA1249B1180B6A6FCA8" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_2A0533F709E1918E39331180B6A6CBAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_AA719F413AEA0C8CBBE01180B6A66DE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_006BB01C74A95BA1249B1180B6A6FCA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_AA719F413AEA0C8CBBE01180B6A66DE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_79AFA4845854B84A1A1D1180B6A61467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_006BB01C74A95BA1249B1180B6A6FCA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_79AFA4845854B84A1A1D1180B6A61467" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_F7C5A72289ED5274B61E8C005D182BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_D6A1F22E38645C1C94448B7E88643246" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_F7C5A72289ED5274B61E8C005D182BBA" xlink:to="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_D6A1F22E38645C1C94448B7E88643246" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_457E6022316B5FFA97BA2DFF9F0470BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_D6A1F22E38645C1C94448B7E88643246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_457E6022316B5FFA97BA2DFF9F0470BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_C23212B1BB0358F983807054EDDDEE60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_D6A1F22E38645C1C94448B7E88643246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_C23212B1BB0358F983807054EDDDEE60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_2ABF7D24C2A154C8A9358E00A4E2954E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_D6A1F22E38645C1C94448B7E88643246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_2ABF7D24C2A154C8A9358E00A4E2954E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsChangesInFairValueOfLiabilitiesClassifiedAsStockOptionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_692117845A045A56B1BFEC6DEAFF9401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3A7201318D5C561D8EA58F46366B1B89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_692117845A045A56B1BFEC6DEAFF9401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3A7201318D5C561D8EA58F46366B1B89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E3FCFAE58775C8BB9DC5C9F105A17C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3A7201318D5C561D8EA58F46366B1B89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E3FCFAE58775C8BB9DC5C9F105A17C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E8EF6102C7645D0FAA82CBC96EC1CECD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E3FCFAE58775C8BB9DC5C9F105A17C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E8EF6102C7645D0FAA82CBC96EC1CECD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember_A5F86F2D382854E5B04FD9923B018FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E8EF6102C7645D0FAA82CBC96EC1CECD" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember_A5F86F2D382854E5B04FD9923B018FB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5D1FEF43145053F0BB87997D2FF021D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3A7201318D5C561D8EA58F46366B1B89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5D1FEF43145053F0BB87997D2FF021D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5D1FEF43145053F0BB87997D2FF021D7" xlink:to="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_85CFD779B032584D9EDC093053011A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_85CFD779B032584D9EDC093053011A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="loc_abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue_188EC2EF1C4A5BF7A65B95DD82A739C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:to="loc_abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue_188EC2EF1C4A5BF7A65B95DD82A739C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions" xlink:label="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions_FAC03F99237B53C38262E18803A759DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:to="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions_FAC03F99237B53C38262E18803A759DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_9BF5966A5A42534D9A17F12B37526EE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_825FE02431D256A8B0E2C8E22DB81AFF" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_9BF5966A5A42534D9A17F12B37526EE4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_93DE4FCA17C55CA8B4C3DECEEBE87F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_C05DE392E80050E78A605A02ADBE45EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_93DE4FCA17C55CA8B4C3DECEEBE87F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_C05DE392E80050E78A605A02ADBE45EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock_609F5A40CF195E5AB5651AC19076B828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_93DE4FCA17C55CA8B4C3DECEEBE87F4C" xlink:to="loc_abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock_609F5A40CF195E5AB5651AC19076B828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock_112AAB70FB7F558FA80C1271A026EF90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_93DE4FCA17C55CA8B4C3DECEEBE87F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock_112AAB70FB7F558FA80C1271A026EF90" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_6588097593D652DC8356F57662D2707E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_F990A3F25FBF56EC913F3B21EDE24C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_6588097593D652DC8356F57662D2707E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_F990A3F25FBF56EC913F3B21EDE24C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_923F41036BB1572381CAAAE0725DA9D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_8C55F64E39AE501DA8D1B9E505E2FAA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_923F41036BB1572381CAAAE0725DA9D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_8C55F64E39AE501DA8D1B9E505E2FAA9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_60A321DB7DA6A73929BB11548AFA24FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_60A321DB7DA6A73929BB11548AFA24FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_577EBBFFCD195D8868D411548AFA673C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_577EBBFFCD195D8868D411548AFA673C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_A86D1C1F47FD734C435B11548AFAC6DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_A86D1C1F47FD734C435B11548AFAC6DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_CB1479857953EB05A29211548AFAC90B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_CB1479857953EB05A29211548AFAC90B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_DF9D1F8C96B6E58CBFF611548AFA0D42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_DF9D1F8C96B6E58CBFF611548AFA0D42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_20296C9E18BDD4633A9F11548AFAD5A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_20296C9E18BDD4633A9F11548AFAD5A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_B2A360232FB3B3AB6A4E11548AFAD9D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_B2A360232FB3B3AB6A4E11548AFAD9D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_3E50AA3C717BB5A5242C11548AFA79B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_3E50AA3C717BB5A5242C11548AFA79B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_6A9F11B9CD04D0E8146C11548AFA28D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6F90DC515C41271CDB5D11548AFAFD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_6A9F11B9CD04D0E8146C11548AFA28D8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_E3E094D008245A709B901BD29F4C8786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_9545A39135705B2D8B9A7FCCEB1232E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_E3E094D008245A709B901BD29F4C8786" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_9545A39135705B2D8B9A7FCCEB1232E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_F02DFDC3E2E15FC285A7B89096CC15AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_9545A39135705B2D8B9A7FCCEB1232E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_F02DFDC3E2E15FC285A7B89096CC15AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_4C8CF68C3D535EFE9E4E5C5BD1E9E581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_F02DFDC3E2E15FC285A7B89096CC15AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_4C8CF68C3D535EFE9E4E5C5BD1E9E581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_CorporateHeadquartersLocated701VeteransCircleWarminsterPennsylvaniaMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_CorporateHeadquartersLocated701VeteransCircleWarminsterPennsylvaniaMember_6739B62D761954EAA73EBD66D0D7BD9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_4C8CF68C3D535EFE9E4E5C5BD1E9E581" xlink:to="loc_abus_CorporateHeadquartersLocated701VeteransCircleWarminsterPennsylvaniaMember_6739B62D761954EAA73EBD66D0D7BD9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_OfficesLocatedat626JacksonvilleRd.WarminsterPennsylvaniaMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_OfficesLocatedat626JacksonvilleRd.WarminsterPennsylvaniaMember_DBA2F4EDA1E85534967E8D959350FF9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_4C8CF68C3D535EFE9E4E5C5BD1E9E581" xlink:to="loc_abus_OfficesLocatedat626JacksonvilleRd.WarminsterPennsylvaniaMember_DBA2F4EDA1E85534967E8D959350FF9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember_244B8C4ADA5F55EE8EC1CED5CFAC8423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_4C8CF68C3D535EFE9E4E5C5BD1E9E581" xlink:to="loc_abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember_244B8C4ADA5F55EE8EC1CED5CFAC8423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7F66AA3765D7525FA6963C2D100BF175" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_9545A39135705B2D8B9A7FCCEB1232E0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7F66AA3765D7525FA6963C2D100BF175" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF757B825EB753B3AAD558B71B4066E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7F66AA3765D7525FA6963C2D100BF175" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF757B825EB753B3AAD558B71B4066E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_720D8BDD5A495E9C9DB34660713B5E02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF757B825EB753B3AAD558B71B4066E0" xlink:to="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_720D8BDD5A495E9C9DB34660713B5E02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_9545A39135705B2D8B9A7FCCEB1232E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofLeases" xlink:label="loc_abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofLeases_8A5A6E39291E500387E357981AC06422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofLeases_8A5A6E39291E500387E357981AC06422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" xlink:label="loc_abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions_B8D1ED3E18B1584A80D4140914417582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_abus_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions_B8D1ED3E18B1584A80D4140914417582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_D82A9DEFB228596A84CDE8F8F9281AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_D82A9DEFB228596A84CDE8F8F9281AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_EBEE8D06EE3E501D90304F02689A94E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_EBEE8D06EE3E501D90304F02689A94E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_8EB41C7519E15A7382686AA0FA68E191" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_8EB41C7519E15A7382686AA0FA68E191" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_FixedLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_abus_FixedLeaseCost_A98B5611061855F18B918C598CB1FC87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_abus_FixedLeaseCost_A98B5611061855F18B918C598CB1FC87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_F8056B47916E568BAA7889CE9D243F67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_F8056B47916E568BAA7889CE9D243F67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_StrightlineFixedLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_abus_StrightlineFixedLeaseCost_6D3353A1C8E15D9989C96019B5EE94B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_abus_StrightlineFixedLeaseCost_6D3353A1C8E15D9989C96019B5EE94B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_6634CE24F2115F1A9C074DD64CE10F8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_CC7B0D378C9D50A296DFA3CBD8B08C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_6634CE24F2115F1A9C074DD64CE10F8B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_449F6144B11CEBD86960538D8C966020" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_7B9AEA21C3664692A5E5538D8C9671E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_449F6144B11CEBD86960538D8C966020" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_7B9AEA21C3664692A5E5538D8C9671E4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_556292795AC0510787652FE69D92BB08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_0E1628BEFA9354CB8F37AC8C385132CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_556292795AC0510787652FE69D92BB08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_0E1628BEFA9354CB8F37AC8C385132CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_92EBBE5F1A3C5583985DDF9ED4606E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_556292795AC0510787652FE69D92BB08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_92EBBE5F1A3C5583985DDF9ED4606E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/LeasesWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTermAndDiscountRateDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_507432CF1A905CB8919F2488C3D085AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_4850819142F35A4AAFDC2A14F6932746" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_507432CF1A905CB8919F2488C3D085AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_4850819142F35A4AAFDC2A14F6932746" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_80FE217FE9FB5B5C9870814837925023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_507432CF1A905CB8919F2488C3D085AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_80FE217FE9FB5B5C9870814837925023" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAndFutureOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_D90FA50C1E8252278EB0012AF2C8796A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_834BF6D5FC9851769AF1565CBAD5D699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_D90FA50C1E8252278EB0012AF2C8796A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_834BF6D5FC9851769AF1565CBAD5D699" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_D2F96640C8BC50BDB0C29A104F820410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_E494318FDA415BAF94D76F34A55CD573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_D2F96640C8BC50BDB0C29A104F820410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_E494318FDA415BAF94D76F34A55CD573" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_26FA3DE589D4F88FC5811180B5F8C68E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_26FA3DE589D4F88FC5811180B5F8C68E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9BD092973522765874101180B5F975E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9BD092973522765874101180B5F975E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_065CF8075C4CE1ADCE5F1180B5F9F211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9BD092973522765874101180B5F975E4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_065CF8075C4CE1ADCE5F1180B5F9F211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_A02C7C2425D8A12BA9E11180B5F91CDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_065CF8075C4CE1ADCE5F1180B5F9F211" xlink:to="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_A02C7C2425D8A12BA9E11180B5F91CDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_46C24BB2EFA2CDF971E51180B5FA293C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_46C24BB2EFA2CDF971E51180B5FA293C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7A1926EFD3AB4439500B1180B5FA9A2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_46C24BB2EFA2CDF971E51180B5FA293C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7A1926EFD3AB4439500B1180B5FA9A2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_07DBB18E81E6220B14781180B5FA9DC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7A1926EFD3AB4439500B1180B5FA9A2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_07DBB18E81E6220B14781180B5FA9DC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_AA3BEFD5A711570EAAEF1180B5FB51C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_AA3BEFD5A711570EAAEF1180B5FB51C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B3448A64780A0DE159761180B5FB7F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_AA3BEFD5A711570EAAEF1180B5FB51C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B3448A64780A0DE159761180B5FB7F6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember_851EA08F3C180AFEA3B01180B5FB5C5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B3448A64780A0DE159761180B5FB7F6A" xlink:to="loc_abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember_851EA08F3C180AFEA3B01180B5FB5C5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_AdministrativeAndTransitionalServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_AdministrativeAndTransitionalServicesMember_E1E4FC90064D68BA714C1180B5FBC368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B3448A64780A0DE159761180B5FB7F6A" xlink:to="loc_abus_AdministrativeAndTransitionalServicesMember_E1E4FC90064D68BA714C1180B5FBC368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember_ACB03D7063AF15D15FBE1180B5FB8579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B3448A64780A0DE159761180B5FB7F6A" xlink:to="loc_abus_SubleaseBurnabyFacilityMember_ACB03D7063AF15D15FBE1180B5FB8579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2659389B4EDDC84E7E751180B5FB3DFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8EC23DD0603F19B3437D1180B5F8AAC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2659389B4EDDC84E7E751180B5FB3DFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_91740389C674DDD0BA9B1180B5FC0FFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2659389B4EDDC84E7E751180B5FB3DFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_91740389C674DDD0BA9B1180B5FC0FFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_3C2229AF06C3599CC32F1180B5FC3725" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2659389B4EDDC84E7E751180B5FB3DFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_3C2229AF06C3599CC32F1180B5FC3725" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NetRentableAreaSublease" xlink:label="loc_abus_NetRentableAreaSublease_CB516DF15118BA3546EA1180B5FC3D8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2659389B4EDDC84E7E751180B5FB3DFD" xlink:to="loc_abus_NetRentableAreaSublease_CB516DF15118BA3546EA1180B5FC3D8F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A9A63AF7E4BD5ED5A1AC7BB71BE86363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_AE14A286DD845ADF9E41B08E0CCD6250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A9A63AF7E4BD5ED5A1AC7BB71BE86363" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_AE14A286DD845ADF9E41B08E0CCD6250" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_17164C4FDA0E262FFB1F24E127C1C54C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements" xlink:label="loc_abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements_FF26EBCF85802C55BD0224E127C11573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_17164C4FDA0E262FFB1F24E127C1C54C" xlink:to="loc_abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements_FF26EBCF85802C55BD0224E127C11573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_E3AA3E8ABD8C72C4AF7124E127C1DC56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_17164C4FDA0E262FFB1F24E127C1C54C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_E3AA3E8ABD8C72C4AF7124E127C1DC56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_4B2B1B9E02866B39C60C24E127C1B9CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_17164C4FDA0E262FFB1F24E127C1C54C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_4B2B1B9E02866B39C60C24E127C1B9CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_DE6360334D11B337B18024E127C2DDC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_17164C4FDA0E262FFB1F24E127C1C54C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_DE6360334D11B337B18024E127C2DDC6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_8C2FC4B2A50259B69B593C350D48263D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_8C2FC4B2A50259B69B593C350D48263D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_48B517FB28EF599BA9EBDCAB8F3A712B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_48B517FB28EF599BA9EBDCAB8F3A712B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_E1F18E532E2E5F9EB79F4C7E43D632A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_E1F18E532E2E5F9EB79F4C7E43D632A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy_5D344911185253538352A2FE25FB955A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy_5D344911185253538352A2FE25FB955A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_0BAC8495B72D559E8A0974DB27C1B9BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_0BAC8495B72D559E8A0974DB27C1B9BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_032A37672A445C4693FE3369094E168C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_032A37672A445C4693FE3369094E168C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B3D7E6B3C3835CE39A87AD1521FDD10A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_DE5D8AD13627518CA43DA3A0A7F2405B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B3D7E6B3C3835CE39A87AD1521FDD10A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfComputationOfBasicAndDilutedIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A0A4425EE9C6860CF96653FF75EAD089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_550B75D93E9E5E2BF1C253FF75EF4794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A0A4425EE9C6860CF96653FF75EAD089" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_550B75D93E9E5E2BF1C253FF75EF4794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE2A4F03089E852B566053FF75F1BADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_550B75D93E9E5E2BF1C253FF75EF4794" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE2A4F03089E852B566053FF75F1BADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1FFDCE0A327CBFAA739E53FF75F2440B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE2A4F03089E852B566053FF75F1BADB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1FFDCE0A327CBFAA739E53FF75F2440B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_1FE03C0E855914AC344253FF75F2C46C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1FFDCE0A327CBFAA739E53FF75F2440B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_1FE03C0E855914AC344253FF75F2C46C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_550B75D93E9E5E2BF1C253FF75EF4794" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic_EA9EADC438C8D7C22B7253FF75F3D08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAvailableToCommonShareholdersBasic_EA9EADC438C8D7C22B7253FF75F3D08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_4D6DD25B035E85B5229353FF75F6EA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_4D6DD25B035E85B5229353FF75F6EA84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_E65B4EC6243B12689EBD53FF75F7E445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_E65B4EC6243B12689EBD53FF75F7E445" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_FE69E5597B6106EC31C753FF75F77CA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_FE69E5597B6106EC31C753FF75F77CA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_6CF9F9B034FD95FA782A53FF75F707C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_C1D395F692EB19F23B1453FF75F2C9A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_6CF9F9B034FD95FA782A53FF75F707C9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_E0DD7F958C375537A99F1175E1F4F688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_AEF247C7B9BC52A4AC5A293B4540297F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_E0DD7F958C375537A99F1175E1F4F688" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_AEF247C7B9BC52A4AC5A293B4540297F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_D16796B65ADB513CA0591C751D62962F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_77ED5C20DCB95630B9847A801C9C9B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_D16796B65ADB513CA0591C751D62962F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_77ED5C20DCB95630B9847A801C9C9B85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationConsolidationExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_FBE5C95C77CB5D5080991FA3B652E8CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B9A72C983E7C56BBB08A8BB30B2D8D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_FBE5C95C77CB5D5080991FA3B652E8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B9A72C983E7C56BBB08A8BB30B2D8D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_62F1A1A4F13857AA906B829442B0FAA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B9A72C983E7C56BBB08A8BB30B2D8D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_62F1A1A4F13857AA906B829442B0FAA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A3532C33800B566A9103EF51A13C3E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_62F1A1A4F13857AA906B829442B0FAA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A3532C33800B566A9103EF51A13C3E65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember_62FD2BEF47F95015992CC515B7993DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A3532C33800B566A9103EF51A13C3E65" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember_62FD2BEF47F95015992CC515B7993DDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_A191EC7590E25CDDAA83F1C903DE06BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A3532C33800B566A9103EF51A13C3E65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_A191EC7590E25CDDAA83F1C903DE06BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_2398F519D5E75E24A336161C7D5E8B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B9A72C983E7C56BBB08A8BB30B2D8D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_2398F519D5E75E24A336161C7D5E8B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_0E2D4F9923AF5FE2B9EB50EE1C627E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_2398F519D5E75E24A336161C7D5E8B75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_0E2D4F9923AF5FE2B9EB50EE1C627E24" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_5E3AD0E9CF4F5CE4B25ECDAF0D846312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_87F1D6C8204152078240F495D8104E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_5E3AD0E9CF4F5CE4B25ECDAF0D846312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_87F1D6C8204152078240F495D8104E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B1ABF9C27FB35F4FAC39A2EBE944BE34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_87F1D6C8204152078240F495D8104E99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B1ABF9C27FB35F4FAC39A2EBE944BE34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2C98E4C9673D5A59A2E5B9BF0C4A46B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B1ABF9C27FB35F4FAC39A2EBE944BE34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2C98E4C9673D5A59A2E5B9BF0C4A46B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_B4666948F7D55F04A5CF73F9C04C4ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2C98E4C9673D5A59A2E5B9BF0C4A46B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_B4666948F7D55F04A5CF73F9C04C4ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_C86ED2E1FE355AC28261275122E4E1A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_87F1D6C8204152078240F495D8104E99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_C86ED2E1FE355AC28261275122E4E1A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_RestructuringandRelatedCostExpectedNumberofPositionsEliminatedPercent" xlink:label="loc_abus_RestructuringandRelatedCostExpectedNumberofPositionsEliminatedPercent_88BFCCE516595C5088288488D31CD956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_C86ED2E1FE355AC28261275122E4E1A8" xlink:to="loc_abus_RestructuringandRelatedCostExpectedNumberofPositionsEliminatedPercent_88BFCCE516595C5088288488D31CD956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_246C90BDD1CA540B853AB609696375D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_C86ED2E1FE355AC28261275122E4E1A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_246C90BDD1CA540B853AB609696375D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_27B5FD853BFF52B3B8DB74AAEFAA19C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_C86ED2E1FE355AC28261275122E4E1A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_27B5FD853BFF52B3B8DB74AAEFAA19C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationReserveActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_9F9D6C799C7E6B610EA311548B0A45EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9D0CC895875BDB2D64BD11548B0A5EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_9F9D6C799C7E6B610EA311548B0A45EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9D0CC895875BDB2D64BD11548B0A5EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_A27B5E970C188DCD55B211548B0A28E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9D0CC895875BDB2D64BD11548B0A5EED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_A27B5E970C188DCD55B211548B0A28E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_0F58E89FDC7BFCD9025911548B0A0E95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_A27B5E970C188DCD55B211548B0A28E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_0F58E89FDC7BFCD9025911548B0A0E95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember_9457F7322F9D401659BF11548B0AFE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_0F58E89FDC7BFCD9025911548B0A0E95" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeSeveranceandRelocationMember_9457F7322F9D401659BF11548B0AFE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_D2F216F218A7EBB6F52A11548B0A6E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_0F58E89FDC7BFCD9025911548B0A0E95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_D2F216F218A7EBB6F52A11548B0A6E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_103C1C072A9259F2A8E411548B0A2734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_9D0CC895875BDB2D64BD11548B0A5EED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_103C1C072A9259F2A8E411548B0A2734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_103C1C072A9259F2A8E411548B0A2734" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_B7C735C655BA23FF58C411548B0ADAC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_B7C735C655BA23FF58C411548B0ADAC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_44AE50E2F7ADDC03BCAB11548B0A8A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_44AE50E2F7ADDC03BCAB11548B0A8A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_148703B2DFAFD206DD5511548B0AEB96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_148703B2DFAFD206DD5511548B0AEB96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_CB708ED6F6BEC6EBD8B711548B0AA02F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_54C120C199C957CB1CF511548B0AC84B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_CB708ED6F6BEC6EBD8B711548B0AA02F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SiteConsolidationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_1407B9996CE6549A9D5D04C35E1F9095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_26620FB802795E869435604021E535FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_1407B9996CE6549A9D5D04C35E1F9095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_26620FB802795E869435604021E535FE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_21AF339401E65AF1A901534F715A85ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_8DF5C9C9349C516EB40BF1FA25E6B8DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_21AF339401E65AF1A901534F715A85ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_8DF5C9C9349C516EB40BF1FA25E6B8DB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_7FC0E6F5D45BE8C630FE1180B623DCCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_7FC0E6F5D45BE8C630FE1180B623DCCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_C1E0C8ED9EF89E567EF71180B623F9DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_C1E0C8ED9EF89E567EF71180B623F9DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8C63E316A75AD42B51041180B6232359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_C1E0C8ED9EF89E567EF71180B623F9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8C63E316A75AD42B51041180B6232359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_OpenMarketSaleAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_OpenMarketSaleAgreementMember_F15BD1762AF60C2EA4151180B623938C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8C63E316A75AD42B51041180B6232359" xlink:to="loc_abus_OpenMarketSaleAgreementMember_F15BD1762AF60C2EA4151180B623938C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5328486AC04C704826C51180B623619C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5328486AC04C704826C51180B623619C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9AB67006177F2E78D9301180B6234719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5328486AC04C704826C51180B623619C" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9AB67006177F2E78D9301180B6234719" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_JefferiesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_JefferiesLLCMember_EC6F111055C6394E85EF1180B623CB47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9AB67006177F2E78D9301180B6234719" xlink:to="loc_abus_JefferiesLLCMember_EC6F111055C6394E85EF1180B623CB47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_ACB3C7E8D321D214AC9B1180B623B29C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9AB67006177F2E78D9301180B6234719" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_ACB3C7E8D321D214AC9B1180B623B29C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D7863B34A2250F20BA91180B62311A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D7863B34A2250F20BA91180B62311A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05C205DCEFC80C244B961180B623F3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D7863B34A2250F20BA91180B62311A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05C205DCEFC80C244B961180B623F3C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0EFAE90921D647F327381180B623B678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05C205DCEFC80C244B961180B623F3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0EFAE90921D647F327381180B623B678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_955CBC5FA7CA90F41F471180B6236F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05C205DCEFC80C244B961180B623F3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_955CBC5FA7CA90F41F471180B6236F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_816DA7843A0B5710FE7E1180B6233E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05C205DCEFC80C244B961180B623F3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_816DA7843A0B5710FE7E1180B6233E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_E4F0C2509823FF97B2391180B623A42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions_43991222ABF1335C1B5C1180B6231D4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions_43991222ABF1335C1B5C1180B6231D4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_27772C6DB0312292206F1180B623DD50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_27772C6DB0312292206F1180B623DD50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_1B66F1079BE056CF6E911180B623549C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_1B66F1079BE056CF6E911180B623549C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_365BDBB3D9724DEE3A221180B6230826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_365BDBB3D9724DEE3A221180B6230826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_A2A350F805CCEAE6F1A81180B632EDDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_A2A350F805CCEAE6F1A81180B632EDDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7848FD7A16BB1BFB79A41180B6323E83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7848FD7A16BB1BFB79A41180B6323E83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_5A26AA11C10A1BCE61451180B6324FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_5A26AA11C10A1BCE61451180B6324FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesOfCommonStockIssueduponConversion" xlink:label="loc_abus_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesOfCommonStockIssueduponConversion_A8D7A9E8D041C2A7876F1180B6329C07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_abus_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesOfCommonStockIssueduponConversion_A8D7A9E8D041C2A7876F1180B6329C07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion" xlink:label="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion_E931C11953866AB39BFD1180B63262DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion_E931C11953866AB39BFD1180B63262DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NoncontrollingInterestInvestmentCommitmentPeriod" xlink:label="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestInvestmentCommitmentPeriod_5C297DD94A9B3AE35FD21180B6320047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestInvestmentCommitmentPeriod_5C297DD94A9B3AE35FD21180B6320047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:label="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners_011A8DAEEEAFB186F8A21180B632D3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners_011A8DAEEEAFB186F8A21180B632D3A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_504DA945EB670344078C1180B632C96B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_416A52093796603E97341180B6232D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_504DA945EB670344078C1180B632C96B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_CAD2E7AAA50EAE568524119BF8ED8DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_F746192481FC250CCB7B119C15F30197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_CAD2E7AAA50EAE568524119BF8ED8DBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_F746192481FC250CCB7B119C15F30197" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_612B2A31A6A9002CE0B2119BF903D712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_612B2A31A6A9002CE0B2119BF903D712" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5BC1D398804747171C1211A40411D64C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5BC1D398804747171C1211A40411D64C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_59D84AAA71C99A6B051411A40411A69A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5BC1D398804747171C1211A40411D64C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_59D84AAA71C99A6B051411A40411A69A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EA85AB026250886EDA5011A43CEB2E13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_59D84AAA71C99A6B051411A40411A69A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EA85AB026250886EDA5011A43CEB2E13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_359B5517E0BCDA6CE6FC11A67DCACDDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_359B5517E0BCDA6CE6FC11A67DCACDDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7F1843D75B129E19689911A67DCB96CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_359B5517E0BCDA6CE6FC11A67DCACDDD" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7F1843D75B129E19689911A67DCB96CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_OMERSMember" xlink:label="loc_abus_OMERSMember_E174D7E67F5F8C4B517B11A7026D4301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7F1843D75B129E19689911A67DCB96CB" xlink:to="loc_abus_OMERSMember_E174D7E67F5F8C4B517B11A7026D4301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_71ADDC941CE7CBD76F2211A73605440E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_71ADDC941CE7CBD76F2211A73605440E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_FA754679F56808289D4011A736050CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_71ADDC941CE7CBD76F2211A73605440E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_FA754679F56808289D4011A736050CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_63EDD924C0A15CE1D1FB11C750AA8BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_FA754679F56808289D4011A736050CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_63EDD924C0A15CE1D1FB11C750AA8BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_BCFAE7B3D7A2D65A31EC11A49E6020E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_BCFAE7B3D7A2D65A31EC11A49E6020E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_12B1B26BCB4B962C67AA11A49E6383DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_BCFAE7B3D7A2D65A31EC11A49E6020E8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_12B1B26BCB4B962C67AA11A49E6383DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BB0D74CB5C5567F9DF8E11B07C6E046B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_12B1B26BCB4B962C67AA11A49E6383DE" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BB0D74CB5C5567F9DF8E11B07C6E046B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2D16966F455391A8BA0C11A4E1C368E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_12B1B26BCB4B962C67AA11A49E6383DE" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2D16966F455391A8BA0C11A4E1C368E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_6E7A778886447A3BEE9711A4041174D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_C5D3FE66F070492D022A11AC91A804B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_C5D3FE66F070492D022A11AC91A804B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_FC0E2C6B361EAD422BBC11C8389E4490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_FC0E2C6B361EAD422BBC11C8389E4490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold" xlink:label="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_AEF4EC0CFDCE323F9B7F11DC09E24DA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:to="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_AEF4EC0CFDCE323F9B7F11DC09E24DA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRoyaltiesReceived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRoyaltiesReceived_86C1EF567925C8CBE55F11FD5BD644A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRoyaltiesReceived_86C1EF567925C8CBE55F11FD5BD644A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="abus-20190630.xsd#abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_81D4E9504438A47E140E11C838BEC89C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_EF4E489C39DC2D334DEE11A4041120D3" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_81D4E9504438A47E140E11C838BEC89C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>