<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2021 Workiva-->
<!--r:a1884d86-749a-455f-8f8b-40811ddceb17,g:df379162-b043-4676-8330-9f2c29386dca-->
<link:linkbase 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" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Cover"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_f0140bdc-b45e-4f5a-a32c-b7b0f2bdbdd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_f0140bdc-b45e-4f5a-a32c-b7b0f2bdbdd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_8d6cc48f-a11a-459b-a1a9-c8e9364c4dab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_8d6cc48f-a11a-459b-a1a9-c8e9364c4dab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_689c182e-58ea-4157-922a-03f5e531d830" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_689c182e-58ea-4157-922a-03f5e531d830" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_0a3a01c5-e3a3-46f9-a82b-3359d440f9f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_0a3a01c5-e3a3-46f9-a82b-3359d440f9f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_79a57d38-d5c4-44e1-81d9-db0ba6d4124d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_79a57d38-d5c4-44e1-81d9-db0ba6d4124d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7a70f950-66d5-4575-a23a-fb2e07c62a56" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7a70f950-66d5-4575-a23a-fb2e07c62a56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_4514d351-7c91-4fdb-b558-5110dcbada4f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_4514d351-7c91-4fdb-b558-5110dcbada4f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_147a6b30-a3ab-490b-b4d0-c3c03c748fd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_147a6b30-a3ab-490b-b4d0-c3c03c748fd7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_4f9fd820-1055-4158-b771-7030f68b600a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_4f9fd820-1055-4158-b771-7030f68b600a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_e02da811-f264-4f4f-ab0d-4686968d2fa6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_e02da811-f264-4f4f-ab0d-4686968d2fa6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_9646f4d0-ce49-4b1a-a752-9b1bfcc3432d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_9646f4d0-ce49-4b1a-a752-9b1bfcc3432d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_7a8a3553-b0e8-40ed-8ec5-cd3dc66d5e35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_7a8a3553-b0e8-40ed-8ec5-cd3dc66d5e35" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_ab0b119e-a0e1-468c-9717-a6783db930e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_ab0b119e-a0e1-468c-9717-a6783db930e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_baa87ee4-7858-45ec-8eee-cdf2bdedfec9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_baa87ee4-7858-45ec-8eee-cdf2bdedfec9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_3984bd62-246a-440e-8c38-d1c6d95a0ec2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_3984bd62-246a-440e-8c38-d1c6d95a0ec2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_5d8374ba-d81a-4201-bb10-c46c778d65e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_5d8374ba-d81a-4201-bb10-c46c778d65e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_242c2523-616d-4c14-8aad-e45fcdfb728a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_242c2523-616d-4c14-8aad-e45fcdfb728a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_4f1e6ae1-7277-45f3-bf81-03b97f46b12c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_4f1e6ae1-7277-45f3-bf81-03b97f46b12c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_b89d0ac0-a0c6-46cd-8bc8-cc48f755aa81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_b89d0ac0-a0c6-46cd-8bc8-cc48f755aa81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_23322719-8abd-4dc6-9341-73ee85ab294e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_23322719-8abd-4dc6-9341-73ee85ab294e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_24ae03ee-2f1c-4d7a-9008-2e0c3a3da2c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_24ae03ee-2f1c-4d7a-9008-2e0c3a3da2c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_2ef388b8-3a0b-47dc-b941-3da6182fddfd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_2ef388b8-3a0b-47dc-b941-3da6182fddfd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_38f8ebba-27b5-47ca-9f3f-ecf636b60aa5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_38f8ebba-27b5-47ca-9f3f-ecf636b60aa5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_c34f8e3e-3de0-43a7-a306-5b9953a5c459" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_c34f8e3e-3de0-43a7-a306-5b9953a5c459" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_26a0bcdf-ea4b-45ad-b4ff-45ebe06fc09d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_26a0bcdf-ea4b-45ad-b4ff-45ebe06fc09d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_e5dc2313-7a4e-4126-abcf-92b93fc2cb39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_e5dc2313-7a4e-4126-abcf-92b93fc2cb39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_0657d442-38c1-4017-97e4-88906271d488" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_0657d442-38c1-4017-97e4-88906271d488" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a44a39e5-be50-4bce-9f57-d7056239d5cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a44a39e5-be50-4bce-9f57-d7056239d5cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_7057d912-02bd-4417-aba4-f88634fec829" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_fda40f9e-73ca-48dd-ae39-7554826cf674" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_7057d912-02bd-4417-aba4-f88634fec829" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_32a8517a-44c9-48d3-b3bc-401cbaa03bf8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_32a8517a-44c9-48d3-b3bc-401cbaa03bf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8f8dfa6c-d39c-4aee-a0a1-fe74f8c65bea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8f8dfa6c-d39c-4aee-a0a1-fe74f8c65bea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_ce0de0c0-0ae5-40a7-a7ff-b2c34cbc95b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_ce0de0c0-0ae5-40a7-a7ff-b2c34cbc95b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_221025c9-a94b-49e3-85fd-39675b0ac081" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_221025c9-a94b-49e3-85fd-39675b0ac081" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_a9312b5b-bd9e-43a1-84b2-3dd4ea66e302" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_a9312b5b-bd9e-43a1-84b2-3dd4ea66e302" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_c6261e0e-ab20-4824-8b91-2e109463f6fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_234c29c6-3835-4134-bc21-3ec6c5bbff6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_c6261e0e-ab20-4824-8b91-2e109463f6fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_b83a9423-1f3f-4e99-a451-4887bb9d0198" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_b83a9423-1f3f-4e99-a451-4887bb9d0198" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_0a0e2f6c-6451-46d1-884e-420ddf132748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_0a0e2f6c-6451-46d1-884e-420ddf132748" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_602c1a0c-a507-4d69-8df7-69f5c244e311" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_602c1a0c-a507-4d69-8df7-69f5c244e311" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_0c79e023-aea8-4ace-a5cc-fd2b451b2c28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_0c79e023-aea8-4ace-a5cc-fd2b451b2c28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_597c9b3f-37df-473a-9e50-c19d419a4d20" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_973227b6-c8c2-4c05-9be4-c669375cedb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_597c9b3f-37df-473a-9e50-c19d419a4d20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_32a8517a-44c9-48d3-b3bc-401cbaa03bf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_41b6675d-f9a7-4ca7-aff9-29e4a7b495a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_41b6675d-f9a7-4ca7-aff9-29e4a7b495a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_e1bb202b-6028-46d8-a692-968f87b2845a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_41b6675d-f9a7-4ca7-aff9-29e4a7b495a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_e1bb202b-6028-46d8-a692-968f87b2845a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_2a408028-416a-408d-9639-e76769253afe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_41b6675d-f9a7-4ca7-aff9-29e4a7b495a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_2a408028-416a-408d-9639-e76769253afe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_fa8475ab-b8fe-4b5b-a003-65045a8f88db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_41b6675d-f9a7-4ca7-aff9-29e4a7b495a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_fa8475ab-b8fe-4b5b-a003-65045a8f88db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_babea7e6-f98e-42c1-a653-982db3c85714" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_babea7e6-f98e-42c1-a653-982db3c85714" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_bcd100e8-5d21-4066-9d7a-643b401a3134" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_bcd100e8-5d21-4066-9d7a-643b401a3134" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_13037585-12f2-4366-9277-faf0c487a767" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_13037585-12f2-4366-9277-faf0c487a767" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_db0d699e-0b43-4065-a048-28ed3ac70249" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_db0d699e-0b43-4065-a048-28ed3ac70249" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount_9238ab86-794d-43bf-9ab1-e5e8fc5ed691" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalNetOfDiscount_9238ab86-794d-43bf-9ab1-e5e8fc5ed691" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_847d85fd-22a5-4b22-a9bc-370e829121fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_847d85fd-22a5-4b22-a9bc-370e829121fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_799b2496-d996-4913-954d-39f1da0a673f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_799b2496-d996-4913-954d-39f1da0a673f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_f67575b9-8337-4bfe-8ea7-5788ee79cee2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_f67575b9-8337-4bfe-8ea7-5788ee79cee2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_eb1f3530-e7ed-49ba-b6e0-8cffab7735c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_eb1f3530-e7ed-49ba-b6e0-8cffab7735c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ce780686-3398-4135-b432-ba972657e722" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3329e26a-587c-4ffb-beec-d35c1253201c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ce780686-3398-4135-b432-ba972657e722" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_50253992-7064-49db-8b47-a9710c971cf7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_02c4b17e-ed6e-485c-ad6d-47c2401e2387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_50253992-7064-49db-8b47-a9710c971cf7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_e4d5c46a-399e-4c01-a1ed-5c4b906adac3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_e4d5c46a-399e-4c01-a1ed-5c4b906adac3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_c7093d29-3f68-42fd-b310-34710bbc95ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_c7093d29-3f68-42fd-b310-34710bbc95ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_28d1c248-ce3f-4d76-a8c0-597248aa4f11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_28d1c248-ce3f-4d76-a8c0-597248aa4f11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_5b78c085-543e-48a7-88db-900064bf8d93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_5b78c085-543e-48a7-88db-900064bf8d93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_79440b89-dfe0-4057-a0c9-cfaaf4fe914b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_11a0f20d-5c8d-4732-9cbc-8dea339d0c42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_79440b89-dfe0-4057-a0c9-cfaaf4fe914b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLossUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLossUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLossUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_03135e59-8d6c-4030-9b91-b0d02810f221" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_28e2dae7-87b9-4d1d-b5d5-33c389e6eb8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_03135e59-8d6c-4030-9b91-b0d02810f221" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_28e2dae7-87b9-4d1d-b5d5-33c389e6eb8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0dd03a59-2e50-4892-a302-5f86d072bde5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_28e2dae7-87b9-4d1d-b5d5-33c389e6eb8a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0dd03a59-2e50-4892-a302-5f86d072bde5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_98b46fcf-8b04-4c51-8e46-7f1ae12d0653" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0dd03a59-2e50-4892-a302-5f86d072bde5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_98b46fcf-8b04-4c51-8e46-7f1ae12d0653" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_CollaborationAndContractsMember_c65aa468-4c64-4c38-bc3b-171550783de0" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_CollaborationAndContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_98b46fcf-8b04-4c51-8e46-7f1ae12d0653" xlink:to="loc_abus_CollaborationAndContractsMember_c65aa468-4c64-4c38-bc3b-171550783de0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember_78428d71-c583-4409-a4f6-187ab74b7760" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_98b46fcf-8b04-4c51-8e46-7f1ae12d0653" xlink:to="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember_78428d71-c583-4409-a4f6-187ab74b7760" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_28e2dae7-87b9-4d1d-b5d5-33c389e6eb8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8963fab2-1318-404d-b853-7d4e9d05d46f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8963fab2-1318-404d-b853-7d4e9d05d46f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_754e815d-f0cf-4d8a-8292-850dfeb76b21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8963fab2-1318-404d-b853-7d4e9d05d46f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_754e815d-f0cf-4d8a-8292-850dfeb76b21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_9bb2038a-6c56-4a0b-9b5f-8a9dd68291c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_9bb2038a-6c56-4a0b-9b5f-8a9dd68291c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_499dfed2-9b78-48e6-af61-c454da2e019a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_499dfed2-9b78-48e6-af61-c454da2e019a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_a2c317d1-7076-4ca2-a882-efb215d84c8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_a2c317d1-7076-4ca2-a882-efb215d84c8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability_c8dcc732-00b8-4c45-8156-248042c9a130" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability_c8dcc732-00b8-4c45-8156-248042c9a130" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4b921bf1-cca8-45b9-b523-9402be34d2d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4b921bf1-cca8-45b9-b523-9402be34d2d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_80d1a543-65bf-4da6-99c6-5541c011b01b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_80d1a543-65bf-4da6-99c6-5541c011b01b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_d2a0fe33-493c-4a68-9eb3-020fec744884" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_82ca2659-4459-4e9a-9505-e6751c205fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_d2a0fe33-493c-4a68-9eb3-020fec744884" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_d1980d56-3205-4bd7-84df-51630bb23730" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_d1980d56-3205-4bd7-84df-51630bb23730" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_82040120-ce0b-4235-a90a-d821cbc2ec55" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_82040120-ce0b-4235-a90a-d821cbc2ec55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2c1af49e-7467-48e0-9840-1303374e4cf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2c1af49e-7467-48e0-9840-1303374e4cf1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_c529db73-ec2e-4303-aa4e-a40f7d09889a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_c529db73-ec2e-4303-aa4e-a40f7d09889a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_1037e972-35cf-4fd4-b5e0-dcc582456eca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_1037e972-35cf-4fd4-b5e0-dcc582456eca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_324f0d1b-2266-4359-a991-2d37ced6a958" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_324f0d1b-2266-4359-a991-2d37ced6a958" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5f159d8e-6e36-44ec-b326-fe0554882f3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5f159d8e-6e36-44ec-b326-fe0554882f3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_ab8e49fc-1204-425f-a23e-9cf38da29afc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_ab8e49fc-1204-425f-a23e-9cf38da29afc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_1a522719-5406-4248-b7e1-db480945a7ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustmentsAbstract_ab8e49fc-1204-425f-a23e-9cf38da29afc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_1a522719-5406-4248-b7e1-db480945a7ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_3a63a1a5-e82c-49f4-a90b-ecb8aa87b1bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_3a63a1a5-e82c-49f4-a90b-ecb8aa87b1bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_3a405fc3-6965-4e12-a0ae-372d7a3f6eb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_3a405fc3-6965-4e12-a0ae-372d7a3f6eb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1732b5b9-d1b7-4096-93d7-577183e4b759" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_3a405fc3-6965-4e12-a0ae-372d7a3f6eb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1732b5b9-d1b7-4096-93d7-577183e4b759" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_196c5476-4ddf-4b2a-998b-6177e57eeae3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_3a405fc3-6965-4e12-a0ae-372d7a3f6eb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_196c5476-4ddf-4b2a-998b-6177e57eeae3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_679aedf5-fb18-4e6c-a20c-92e044ce0b6c" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_679aedf5-fb18-4e6c-a20c-92e044ce0b6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_36a06b9f-6545-471d-ada7-f249132a3c40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_679aedf5-fb18-4e6c-a20c-92e044ce0b6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_36a06b9f-6545-471d-ada7-f249132a3c40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_3406840b-faf7-4c47-b383-b69533578a09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_WeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesAbstract_679aedf5-fb18-4e6c-a20c-92e044ce0b6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_3406840b-faf7-4c47-b383-b69533578a09" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_ccd841ca-f235-4a23-ba4f-bc8d73772493" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_bb6f0ee9-dbc8-46e3-b6a2-b75fb7f7f1fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_ccd841ca-f235-4a23-ba4f-bc8d73772493" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss_9d1ed6b2-a86d-4164-9fbb-b5f6c51eba21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_ccd841ca-f235-4a23-ba4f-bc8d73772493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedGainLoss_9d1ed6b2-a86d-4164-9fbb-b5f6c51eba21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0578c8fa-032b-494e-a648-ce7ad4f3a428" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_ccd841ca-f235-4a23-ba4f-bc8d73772493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0578c8fa-032b-494e-a648-ce7ad4f3a428" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_5bf889dd-f90f-42f2-9e91-2d7db92d6276" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_ccd841ca-f235-4a23-ba4f-bc8d73772493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_5bf889dd-f90f-42f2-9e91-2d7db92d6276" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementofStockholdersEquityUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementofStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_84290353-0e56-4e4e-85b2-ba2eb6b7d17b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1215365b-ac85-4672-b800-ffb0f9beb7bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_84290353-0e56-4e4e-85b2-ba2eb6b7d17b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1215365b-ac85-4672-b800-ffb0f9beb7bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_e6435616-29cd-431f-8b9d-a6843d5399e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1215365b-ac85-4672-b800-ffb0f9beb7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_e6435616-29cd-431f-8b9d-a6843d5399e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_e6435616-29cd-431f-8b9d-a6843d5399e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_ee20e336-0023-40e6-84e4-718452ae2f89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_ee20e336-0023-40e6-84e4-718452ae2f89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9f58e277-a91c-4a62-9259-37e8a10d5398" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9f58e277-a91c-4a62-9259-37e8a10d5398" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_20dbe7c6-10e2-4a1a-b8b3-ff071e3e3265" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_20dbe7c6-10e2-4a1a-b8b3-ff071e3e3265" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_e3893b82-682b-4221-9d38-a42e2c865140" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_e3893b82-682b-4221-9d38-a42e2c865140" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_b44ce8f2-d61a-40c6-b102-243d111c6094" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a19abf99-d300-49e7-8c8a-669c7412f20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_b44ce8f2-d61a-40c6-b102-243d111c6094" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e1580728-4745-4b4a-82aa-a115a3c057c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1215365b-ac85-4672-b800-ffb0f9beb7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e1580728-4745-4b4a-82aa-a115a3c057c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e1580728-4745-4b4a-82aa-a115a3c057c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_abc4828f-1b61-423c-9d1c-96fc983603e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_abc4828f-1b61-423c-9d1c-96fc983603e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_86f52fd4-c2f9-409c-86c6-da77d2fafb7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_86f52fd4-c2f9-409c-86c6-da77d2fafb7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount_4e2fe7c2-daef-437c-86e3-3e753faca2ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount_4e2fe7c2-daef-437c-86e3-3e753faca2ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_8d2548b6-9ace-4b87-8d46-145a9e2447fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_8d2548b6-9ace-4b87-8d46-145a9e2447fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards_30dd64fd-7b3a-45a7-bf06-c8c5eaeee1c3" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards_30dd64fd-7b3a-45a7-bf06-c8c5eaeee1c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_6c4b954f-c88a-42d7-b997-d284cf62e045" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_6c4b954f-c88a-42d7-b997-d284cf62e045" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_196b73cd-9b18-479e-be43-c3413102000b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_196b73cd-9b18-479e-be43-c3413102000b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_3eda48bf-35a4-4fec-8073-f06378289081" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_3eda48bf-35a4-4fec-8073-f06378289081" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_5aa2a950-71ca-450c-b6d8-dd45135971c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_5aa2a950-71ca-450c-b6d8-dd45135971c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_baf944a3-349c-4e79-ae3c-61245e236e93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_baf944a3-349c-4e79-ae3c-61245e236e93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_3e887951-3d16-4fdd-b4d8-36c20c739b70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_3e887951-3d16-4fdd-b4d8-36c20c739b70" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_06e6772e-08b8-4bb4-a2c0-70a238450e86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_06e6772e-08b8-4bb4-a2c0-70a238450e86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease_5140bfea-4a38-4810-acdd-e65281a005a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentFunctionalToReportingCurrencyNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease_5140bfea-4a38-4810-acdd-e65281a005a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_21a06797-6043-457a-b5ab-b53d77077c19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_21a06797-6043-457a-b5ab-b53d77077c19" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_2cf5813b-d3e8-42a6-8200-ad3135a117ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_2cf5813b-d3e8-42a6-8200-ad3135a117ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3a2260db-0d39-4f20-b95a-b5fe359fa052" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7ed28e75-f315-4b60-940d-82a92f2bbadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3a2260db-0d39-4f20-b95a-b5fe359fa052" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2ade9ebb-4e16-4006-b612-7c1719c26d76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2ade9ebb-4e16-4006-b612-7c1719c26d76" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_a6ef9327-8599-44ab-adab-1dbe3f5da829" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_a6ef9327-8599-44ab-adab-1dbe3f5da829" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_1e2e5491-44c3-43b2-b6bc-9d9171305092" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_1e2e5491-44c3-43b2-b6bc-9d9171305092" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized_38f45980-1390-4a65-a74f-416bd1a3c62b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized_38f45980-1390-4a65-a74f-416bd1a3c62b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_78285c2f-9a02-4149-a1a3-d9fc314563d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_78285c2f-9a02-4149-a1a3-d9fc314563d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_39a4ad7d-ce7f-4d47-9a91-e1f775dfc282" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_39a4ad7d-ce7f-4d47-9a91-e1f775dfc282" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_6eaaefa4-930d-49c0-976c-378da35dd0a1" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_6eaaefa4-930d-49c0-976c-378da35dd0a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NonCashInterestExpenseRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_9c1f5a7f-9246-4eee-b663-43fad71329b1" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NonCashInterestExpenseRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_abus_NonCashInterestExpenseRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_9c1f5a7f-9246-4eee-b663-43fad71329b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_59f0c8bd-6286-4cc0-adbb-89e15d6283b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_510a44f6-c735-4571-bbf5-c793839ab594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_59f0c8bd-6286-4cc0-adbb-89e15d6283b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_773b1612-0ba5-4345-8f8f-39b7464b9411" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_773b1612-0ba5-4345-8f8f-39b7464b9411" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_1ad401ad-1f92-4d31-9253-2f74b20f29dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_1ad401ad-1f92-4d31-9253-2f74b20f29dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_e80f64e4-287e-40d9-a2b1-a81d5b164923" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_e80f64e4-287e-40d9-a2b1-a81d5b164923" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_a5ff8026-497d-4e1d-afdb-ab5eaddc00ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_a5ff8026-497d-4e1d-afdb-ab5eaddc00ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_9e79998d-bb81-4f76-a4d8-90e3b23dcb7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_623cf13d-afd4-48bd-a287-855aa3d0d31e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_9e79998d-bb81-4f76-a4d8-90e3b23dcb7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0cd75105-eff1-4a57-a655-0aa014f2e890" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c036412f-cd77-40fd-a335-600397b18d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0cd75105-eff1-4a57-a655-0aa014f2e890" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_756fd7f7-81f5-45e0-bae8-f4c8267c797e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_756fd7f7-81f5-45e0-bae8-f4c8267c797e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments_08871e32-6b77-4ff7-896a-69971770ea49" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments_08871e32-6b77-4ff7-896a-69971770ea49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_f4051f8c-7695-46ae-81bb-405bce86f1cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_f4051f8c-7695-46ae-81bb-405bce86f1cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_9b385d90-5245-43f0-9434-5eed9cfb0c4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_9b385d90-5245-43f0-9434-5eed9cfb0c4a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_d728eadf-9176-4909-a939-b5d02ab63549" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_9a612d7e-92e8-4c81-9b49-9b99caaf4951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_d728eadf-9176-4909-a939-b5d02ab63549" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_35135a28-6ec6-464f-b18e-24d93fb1bdfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_35135a28-6ec6-464f-b18e-24d93fb1bdfe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_1eaaa51e-4947-4de0-ac89-49cc99a5ffd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_1eaaa51e-4947-4de0-ac89-49cc99a5ffd9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_b90ac01b-99f5-462e-85c0-dc61be6e0be4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_b90ac01b-99f5-462e-85c0-dc61be6e0be4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_1c3e6a3c-ef6b-4f15-bef3-73f3317f63a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e2642d53-8eea-4456-ad4f-31f4c1439cd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_1c3e6a3c-ef6b-4f15-bef3-73f3317f63a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9792310c-e6d9-4055-95d8-56e9d79e4f2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9792310c-e6d9-4055-95d8-56e9d79e4f2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_7fa9d39d-89fa-413e-a042-e67178247aa0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_7fa9d39d-89fa-413e-a042-e67178247aa0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a274f250-6d18-4b67-a259-9a8b14300a87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a274f250-6d18-4b67-a259-9a8b14300a87" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a4c3e7f6-300b-411b-a7f6-df8eaad454d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a4c3e7f6-300b-411b-a7f6-df8eaad454d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_bd7698fa-25d2-4322-815e-d60d872e86ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_51d57ffc-baae-4213-9aac-ff977262d56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_bd7698fa-25d2-4322-815e-d60d872e86ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_99109cb2-9c34-4781-9787-6ef020be6661" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_bd7698fa-25d2-4322-815e-d60d872e86ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_99109cb2-9c34-4781-9787-6ef020be6661" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Natureofbusinessandfutureoperations" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Natureofbusinessandfutureoperations"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Natureofbusinessandfutureoperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_29c96e3a-2149-48e6-8a52-c711a613703a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_eee40d59-1e7b-4f46-8bbb-5889f348eddc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_29c96e3a-2149-48e6-8a52-c711a613703a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_eee40d59-1e7b-4f46-8bbb-5889f348eddc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/NatureofbusinessandfutureoperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#NatureofbusinessandfutureoperationsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/NatureofbusinessandfutureoperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_92b3c4a6-f881-4148-9e2d-9bdf88681c69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NumberOfProducts_1769723c-af7e-4274-89c5-0b9b2748ba4d" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NumberOfProducts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_92b3c4a6-f881-4148-9e2d-9bdf88681c69" xlink:to="loc_abus_NumberOfProducts_1769723c-af7e-4274-89c5-0b9b2748ba4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_a35a7228-4efc-4fcf-b767-379d9616a78b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_92b3c4a6-f881-4148-9e2d-9bdf88681c69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_a35a7228-4efc-4fcf-b767-379d9616a78b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Significantaccountingpolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Significantaccountingpolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Significantaccountingpolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ba9229b-2f15-4ec3-af54-d000da9d1c1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_b4d1ef9b-1659-4ac4-a09a-c27fdc3eccb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0ba9229b-2f15-4ec3-af54-d000da9d1c1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_b4d1ef9b-1659-4ac4-a09a-c27fdc3eccb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantaccountingpoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#SignificantaccountingpoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantaccountingpoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_75b6a2ab-072b-4461-bcfd-84e88949f2ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_75b6a2ab-072b-4461-bcfd-84e88949f2ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_0bac879e-db46-439f-9b5f-e214a0d342d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_0bac879e-db46-439f-9b5f-e214a0d342d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_451c40c0-9f09-496d-ac4e-d3267b0e5cb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_451c40c0-9f09-496d-ac4e-d3267b0e5cb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_03c6c109-1cf1-426f-8d4a-a0cbcd156a15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_03c6c109-1cf1-426f-8d4a-a0cbcd156a15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_c9da487a-f34e-42e9-a039-c698498c9c2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_c9da487a-f34e-42e9-a039-c698498c9c2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_98dd8506-45b5-40d7-bdf8-d1a6c10e8431" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_98dd8506-45b5-40d7-bdf8-d1a6c10e8431" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_4129495e-d8f8-4af8-aa98-fa7d3204c89d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_675057c3-679f-4cbd-9ee7-996174a0ed22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_4129495e-d8f8-4af8-aa98-fa7d3204c89d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantaccountingpoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#SignificantaccountingpoliciesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SignificantaccountingpoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_55911910-5c60-43a4-aaa4-2d80ccaa6d25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements_36024acd-b95f-4ea7-9102-6a96f20f5a15" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_55911910-5c60-43a4-aaa4-2d80ccaa6d25" xlink:to="loc_abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements_36024acd-b95f-4ea7-9102-6a96f20f5a15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_f8812974-a35c-4700-bedc-fa12181ba691" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_55911910-5c60-43a4-aaa4-2d80ccaa6d25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_f8812974-a35c-4700-bedc-fa12181ba691" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_414ce33e-ca97-4c10-870a-83f826a26fa0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_55911910-5c60-43a4-aaa4-2d80ccaa6d25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_414ce33e-ca97-4c10-870a-83f826a26fa0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d1c3f6d-ef15-4066-aa73-aea84b990701" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_414ce33e-ca97-4c10-870a-83f826a26fa0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d1c3f6d-ef15-4066-aa73-aea84b990701" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4818438c-5eac-4b9a-910e-6b3b9b8927c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d1c3f6d-ef15-4066-aa73-aea84b990701" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4818438c-5eac-4b9a-910e-6b3b9b8927c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_e8897031-54bf-47e6-b576-e49caf02cc41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4818438c-5eac-4b9a-910e-6b3b9b8927c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_e8897031-54bf-47e6-b576-e49caf02cc41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_8545b8d6-70b6-47be-9c46-2f3255b0c1ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_414ce33e-ca97-4c10-870a-83f826a26fa0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_8545b8d6-70b6-47be-9c46-2f3255b0c1ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_699c7870-4dce-4e89-a865-58c168b809b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_8545b8d6-70b6-47be-9c46-2f3255b0c1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_699c7870-4dce-4e89-a865-58c168b809b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_619a87d4-1d62-458f-8181-41b9b89659e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_8545b8d6-70b6-47be-9c46-2f3255b0c1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_619a87d4-1d62-458f-8181-41b9b89659e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Fairvaluemeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Fairvaluemeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Fairvaluemeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_faaacf9a-5dda-4cd3-93aa-d627ab1bc954" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_540a7350-6d40-463a-970f-525aa0061132" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_faaacf9a-5dda-4cd3-93aa-d627ab1bc954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_540a7350-6d40-463a-970f-525aa0061132" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_10f9a58d-76e0-4fa1-b432-7ab39d3d5b73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_0aa5d44a-3fc2-4660-bf27-d18574a5cee9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_10f9a58d-76e0-4fa1-b432-7ab39d3d5b73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_0aa5d44a-3fc2-4660-bf27-d18574a5cee9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock_7a2ce7e8-35e0-432d-ad98-a6446c545e4e" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_10f9a58d-76e0-4fa1-b432-7ab39d3d5b73" xlink:to="loc_abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock_7a2ce7e8-35e0-432d-ad98-a6446c545e4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock_9992334a-0286-4466-8c0a-cbb0d9981501" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_10f9a58d-76e0-4fa1-b432-7ab39d3d5b73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTextBlock_9992334a-0286-4466-8c0a-cbb0d9981501" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2efb7c21-c25d-4ad1-9660-89d5f4d9fbc8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_e06fcaac-570a-465b-838f-c521a982fcdb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2efb7c21-c25d-4ad1-9660-89d5f4d9fbc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_e06fcaac-570a-465b-838f-c521a982fcdb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_84be9c35-2518-4e80-8b23-9c87e46ee954" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2efb7c21-c25d-4ad1-9660-89d5f4d9fbc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_84be9c35-2518-4e80-8b23-9c87e46ee954" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b790d1d7-6d27-4fc1-874c-77066bc66688" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_caa3e132-c0d3-4f10-8c41-e56957d848fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_b790d1d7-6d27-4fc1-874c-77066bc66688" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_caa3e132-c0d3-4f10-8c41-e56957d848fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6c923dc5-b8f1-4da2-b196-2a1373159eb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_caa3e132-c0d3-4f10-8c41-e56957d848fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6c923dc5-b8f1-4da2-b196-2a1373159eb5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5ad4cc64-c9c9-49b9-9991-97a44d3829a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6c923dc5-b8f1-4da2-b196-2a1373159eb5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5ad4cc64-c9c9-49b9-9991-97a44d3829a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_e9d923e9-aee6-474b-8fe5-1b095415622f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5ad4cc64-c9c9-49b9-9991-97a44d3829a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_e9d923e9-aee6-474b-8fe5-1b095415622f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_db2b8b17-e639-4c21-8524-039273a1b0c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_caa3e132-c0d3-4f10-8c41-e56957d848fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_db2b8b17-e639-4c21-8524-039273a1b0c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_26fc87de-4cb5-4744-b0ba-080966fd2634" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_db2b8b17-e639-4c21-8524-039273a1b0c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_26fc87de-4cb5-4744-b0ba-080966fd2634" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1ab483d8-6632-404a-971a-47aab117b631" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_26fc87de-4cb5-4744-b0ba-080966fd2634" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1ab483d8-6632-404a-971a-47aab117b631" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_5b99cfe8-868e-4bb8-a4b9-3ac792cc801b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_26fc87de-4cb5-4744-b0ba-080966fd2634" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_5b99cfe8-868e-4bb8-a4b9-3ac792cc801b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_240c266e-da9d-4a7b-b962-dbb0c911727b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_26fc87de-4cb5-4744-b0ba-080966fd2634" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_240c266e-da9d-4a7b-b962-dbb0c911727b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_af962f8b-6fcb-4064-903b-90eb3ba4e434" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_caa3e132-c0d3-4f10-8c41-e56957d848fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_af962f8b-6fcb-4064-903b-90eb3ba4e434" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_af962f8b-6fcb-4064-903b-90eb3ba4e434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_aae0d42c-9308-41cc-b45a-b1a5d7b5570c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_aae0d42c-9308-41cc-b45a-b1a5d7b5570c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_bc158bbb-aadd-4c41-94cf-09850c4da3f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_bc158bbb-aadd-4c41-94cf-09850c4da3f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_b02e00f2-d9ee-4ffb-ba61-e2934d2480ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_b02e00f2-d9ee-4ffb-ba61-e2934d2480ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_6a77a997-2729-4c65-8203-ca060cfb7841" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_79d784c1-33f6-4266-af8a-6302d2cc6560" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_6a77a997-2729-4c65-8203-ca060cfb7841" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_cdce5337-4911-45c8-b776-772e41ab6fba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_af962f8b-6fcb-4064-903b-90eb3ba4e434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_cdce5337-4911-45c8-b776-772e41ab6fba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_8d85099f-fc19-43d0-a6bd-40f786738573" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_cdce5337-4911-45c8-b776-772e41ab6fba" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_8d85099f-fc19-43d0-a6bd-40f786738573" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_dbedf632-e664-491f-8e5d-1dd48aa02d67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_cdce5337-4911-45c8-b776-772e41ab6fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_dbedf632-e664-491f-8e5d-1dd48aa02d67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0bfa4a5a-9d74-43d5-86ac-6a88e587494e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_cdce5337-4911-45c8-b776-772e41ab6fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0bfa4a5a-9d74-43d5-86ac-6a88e587494e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofLiabilitiesClassifiedasStockOptionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofLiabilitiesClassifiedasStockOptionDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofLiabilitiesClassifiedasStockOptionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_87fb76a4-8282-40ea-a5f1-6f1d7e385740" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ae80185e-f6e0-408f-8429-f33ddc13223d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_87fb76a4-8282-40ea-a5f1-6f1d7e385740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ae80185e-f6e0-408f-8429-f33ddc13223d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_34f59457-4f28-4cde-bba0-741e710d17ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ae80185e-f6e0-408f-8429-f33ddc13223d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_34f59457-4f28-4cde-bba0-741e710d17ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_317ceb40-cdbb-41cb-90d6-d31450c6ad2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_34f59457-4f28-4cde-bba0-741e710d17ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_317ceb40-cdbb-41cb-90d6-d31450c6ad2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember_9527dc37-0085-42f4-a9d0-8954de479649" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_317ceb40-cdbb-41cb-90d6-d31450c6ad2a" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember_9527dc37-0085-42f4-a9d0-8954de479649" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d9d37455-9e01-42f4-a9d6-589d7efc6f91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_ae80185e-f6e0-408f-8429-f33ddc13223d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d9d37455-9e01-42f4-a9d6-589d7efc6f91" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d9d37455-9e01-42f4-a9d6-589d7efc6f91" xlink:to="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_a2cc0b53-7a21-4d8e-b5c9-0fe94cf3175c" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_a2cc0b53-7a21-4d8e-b5c9-0fe94cf3175c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue_492adb93-3096-4f20-a7b0-91f3f58f8de3" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:to="loc_abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesinPeriodFairValue_492adb93-3096-4f20-a7b0-91f3f58f8de3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions_2546d76f-15ae-4e47-b290-a49317fa9db9" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:to="loc_abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions_2546d76f-15ae-4e47-b290-a49317fa9db9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_12e34d21-579f-45fe-9f0a-d5b77970bc83" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_2aba3ebd-0b7e-4c36-8ded-bed4b14ad2d3" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure_12e34d21-579f-45fe-9f0a-d5b77970bc83" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofContingentConsiderationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofContingentConsiderationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinFairValueofContingentConsiderationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2f48d1bd-5d21-4ba5-b4cc-80711b546f3c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_9beab492-9ff7-47de-b89b-a812b29a36a6" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_2f48d1bd-5d21-4ba5-b4cc-80711b546f3c" xlink:to="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_9beab492-9ff7-47de-b89b-a812b29a36a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_d6ff9258-833b-49e9-864f-bb147037268e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_9beab492-9ff7-47de-b89b-a812b29a36a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_d6ff9258-833b-49e9-864f-bb147037268e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_f20d82cf-932a-448e-a61d-abcbcc502cc5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_9beab492-9ff7-47de-b89b-a812b29a36a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_f20d82cf-932a-448e-a61d-abcbcc502cc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_5eda75c2-fc7a-48dd-b3d6-9ac8abfaea88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward_9beab492-9ff7-47de-b89b-a812b29a36a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_5eda75c2-fc7a-48dd-b3d6-9ac8abfaea88" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Investmentsinmarketablesecurities" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Investmentsinmarketablesecurities"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Investmentsinmarketablesecurities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_07d169fd-2494-4ce0-b79a-e9139fd07974" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_099433a6-66e0-4f32-a785-7c606436a2c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_07d169fd-2494-4ce0-b79a-e9139fd07974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_099433a6-66e0-4f32-a785-7c606436a2c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_462969b8-590b-4365-ba87-edb604218fe4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock_906ff747-8f4f-4144-b0b3-2528599ebb91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_462969b8-590b-4365-ba87-edb604218fe4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock_906ff747-8f4f-4144-b0b3-2528599ebb91" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesMarketableSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesMarketableSecuritiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesMarketableSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_b03ac9ff-1a13-4e43-85a2-3ca0d812a94f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_b03ac9ff-1a13-4e43-85a2-3ca0d812a94f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_b0a6ddc3-4126-4b6f-90e7-dd0236e71695" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_b0a6ddc3-4126-4b6f-90e7-dd0236e71695" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_712754f7-5ec1-4434-8b2e-04ef2c1f6397" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_b0a6ddc3-4126-4b6f-90e7-dd0236e71695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_712754f7-5ec1-4434-8b2e-04ef2c1f6397" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember_f27ce63f-3d7d-4635-97f8-77031dfada6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_712754f7-5ec1-4434-8b2e-04ef2c1f6397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember_f27ce63f-3d7d-4635-97f8-77031dfada6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_d29c0e8c-7592-49e6-90bb-d2f1202f132f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_d29c0e8c-7592-49e6-90bb-d2f1202f132f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_d29c0e8c-7592-49e6-90bb-d2f1202f132f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_USGovernmentMoneyMarkeTFundMember_97ebc17d-16f8-4727-8ea0-c8634f2fddf0" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_USGovernmentMoneyMarkeTFundMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:to="loc_abus_USGovernmentMoneyMarkeTFundMember_97ebc17d-16f8-4727-8ea0-c8634f2fddf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryBillSecuritiesMember_d6c5a9c2-a041-41a8-a95a-149ad8c497d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryBillSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryBillSecuritiesMember_d6c5a9c2-a041-41a8-a95a-149ad8c497d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_USGovernmentAgencyBondsMember_9b28d46b-f210-405c-9100-d5b12b1a6528" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_USGovernmentAgencyBondsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:to="loc_abus_USGovernmentAgencyBondsMember_9b28d46b-f210-405c-9100-d5b12b1a6528" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_USGovernmentBondsMember_fd7f5077-4131-4a6d-b4fc-cdf27d6b3e31" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_USGovernmentBondsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_bee81806-bace-4691-9205-d5c699729424" xlink:to="loc_abus_USGovernmentBondsMember_fd7f5077-4131-4a6d-b4fc-cdf27d6b3e31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_0517c83d-50a9-449f-92d0-1664c2f35525" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_0517c83d-50a9-449f-92d0-1664c2f35525" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9fc7a1f-8bba-4897-a47e-4888a843fe63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_0517c83d-50a9-449f-92d0-1664c2f35525" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9fc7a1f-8bba-4897-a47e-4888a843fe63" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_8f0ba90b-9158-4588-864c-3c96703f43e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9fc7a1f-8bba-4897-a47e-4888a843fe63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_8f0ba90b-9158-4588-864c-3c96703f43e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LongTermInvestmentsMember_5214a21b-040b-45b2-848e-0e43eb7523a4" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LongTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9fc7a1f-8bba-4897-a47e-4888a843fe63" xlink:to="loc_abus_LongTermInvestmentsMember_5214a21b-040b-45b2-848e-0e43eb7523a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTable_2e8da33b-7848-4010-bf6a-bcd45fb12dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_aa5bc62d-bf7e-4cf8-bef7-b21cd8c537ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_aa5bc62d-bf7e-4cf8-bef7-b21cd8c537ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_8795cd5a-eb05-41d7-84d0-c292fa1636de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_8795cd5a-eb05-41d7-84d0-c292fa1636de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_e9d68bf9-5d45-44f4-87eb-c5382453f0cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_e9d68bf9-5d45-44f4-87eb-c5382453f0cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_81b72bd7-5162-40de-898d-9cb6153e6bb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_81b72bd7-5162-40de-898d-9cb6153e6bb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_a6ca0c94-3d22-44f7-af91-f2638304fa97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_a6ca0c94-3d22-44f7-af91-f2638304fa97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_e0a9e44a-9a49-4f1c-bc90-3082b92c5748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_08be5e62-3141-4957-89b9-0d95c46b7ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_e0a9e44a-9a49-4f1c-bc90-3082b92c5748" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentsinmarketablesecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_ee6f3429-6f44-40e3-8579-01bcbcb69c86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_d8912083-9a25-46c0-945f-9679d5b10b2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_ee6f3429-6f44-40e3-8579-01bcbcb69c86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_d8912083-9a25-46c0-945f-9679d5b10b2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_16e697b6-8ec0-4208-809f-63b465dbd885" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_ee6f3429-6f44-40e3-8579-01bcbcb69c86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_16e697b6-8ec0-4208-809f-63b465dbd885" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_f7d13062-c23f-4a91-8920-f4e44bc5889e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_ee6f3429-6f44-40e3-8579-01bcbcb69c86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_f7d13062-c23f-4a91-8920-f4e44bc5889e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentinGenevant" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#InvestmentinGenevant"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentinGenevant" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_6bfbac61-202c-4160-9046-b26e64feeee3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_55c58fc9-25bb-43d3-91e8-9b00dbc25f75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_6bfbac61-202c-4160-9046-b26e64feeee3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_55c58fc9-25bb-43d3-91e8-9b00dbc25f75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentinGenevantDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#InvestmentinGenevantDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/InvestmentinGenevantDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_d85ff204-d4f0-40ee-aa50-51123e0ade70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_e5f2fc0f-01a8-4185-bece-b8481904195b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_d85ff204-d4f0-40ee-aa50-51123e0ade70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_e5f2fc0f-01a8-4185-bece-b8481904195b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3d19d0c4-a55e-40fe-b1e4-89f95a9aa537" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_e5f2fc0f-01a8-4185-bece-b8481904195b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3d19d0c4-a55e-40fe-b1e4-89f95a9aa537" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_da200058-d813-4adb-9bf1-33a80f5d06e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3d19d0c4-a55e-40fe-b1e4-89f95a9aa537" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_da200058-d813-4adb-9bf1-33a80f5d06e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_372f6bca-3bf6-4c8b-9504-63c302315192" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_da200058-d813-4adb-9bf1-33a80f5d06e2" xlink:to="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_372f6bca-3bf6-4c8b-9504-63c302315192" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_e5f2fc0f-01a8-4185-bece-b8481904195b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_SubLicensingRevenuePercentage_8b2c7081-2b25-4639-be5d-31c9f655c958" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_SubLicensingRevenuePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:to="loc_abus_SubLicensingRevenuePercentage_8b2c7081-2b25-4639-be5d-31c9f655c958" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_1b85fd39-046b-4210-af2f-64be46f5bf1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_1b85fd39-046b-4210-af2f-64be46f5bf1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_24875406-9059-4e5e-acd0-b8acfeb4c109" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_24875406-9059-4e5e-acd0-b8acfeb4c109" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_bf787241-bfff-4ecf-9f96-10d2cf6b500a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_bf787241-bfff-4ecf-9f96-10d2cf6b500a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_c5fae8e1-9e21-4180-b013-8558c32a0688" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0d4a3d2e-acdf-44f7-84bd-5dce4eb0e9e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_c5fae8e1-9e21-4180-b013-8558c32a0688" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Accountspayableandaccruedliabilities" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Accountspayableandaccruedliabilities"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Accountspayableandaccruedliabilities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_17d3be77-bad2-4512-bcab-8fe1ff8e72ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_18956cb6-2b17-46be-a8d6-9ad11ce56d0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_17d3be77-bad2-4512-bcab-8fe1ff8e72ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_18956cb6-2b17-46be-a8d6-9ad11ce56d0d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_409ca3cb-09f1-4d61-ae4f-63d047063b47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_f7bf50a8-2cd9-4143-96e2-905705a77959" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_409ca3cb-09f1-4d61-ae4f-63d047063b47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_f7bf50a8-2cd9-4143-96e2-905705a77959" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/AccountspayableandaccruedliabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent_4cffed9c-7b34-4cb7-afdb-e27c554f1de8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent_4cffed9c-7b34-4cb7-afdb-e27c554f1de8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment_54b9fa6c-44b0-48d1-811d-da8fbf30fc7f" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_abus_AccruedResearchAndDevelopment_54b9fa6c-44b0-48d1-811d-da8fbf30fc7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_f4eceda7-761e-4091-b0f5-2ad4a27e6ad0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_f4eceda7-761e-4091-b0f5-2ad4a27e6ad0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent_bd1cde0b-87d0-43e8-bdd8-bb3440d6d75d" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent_bd1cde0b-87d0-43e8-bdd8-bb3440d6d75d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding_8ec35b5f-f88e-4266-8a81-3ccf61f89760" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding_8ec35b5f-f88e-4266-8a81-3ccf61f89760" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_c0a8520b-a012-4370-9ae9-edd230de311d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_c0a8520b-a012-4370-9ae9-edd230de311d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_16302c57-7915-4c03-b3b2-299a1f7bea8f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_aa3f0308-7f09-48a4-8f84-94e30c17923f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_16302c57-7915-4c03-b3b2-299a1f7bea8f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Saleoffutureroyalties" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Saleoffutureroyalties"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Saleoffutureroyalties" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_24c0afe8-7b6b-4a92-b07a-56f607916aee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesTextBlock_9bc15d76-2368-4ba0-8ec8-34fcf93df2e8" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_24c0afe8-7b6b-4a92-b07a-56f607916aee" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesTextBlock_9bc15d76-2368-4ba0-8ec8-34fcf93df2e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#SaleoffutureroyaltiesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_380eb4a8-fbe8-4ce1-9e8b-7567e6c4ab8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForwardTableTextBlock_e2739b3b-bbe4-4d4c-b60f-f95b76ec5cf5" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForwardTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_380eb4a8-fbe8-4ce1-9e8b-7567e6c4ab8d" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilitiesRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForwardTableTextBlock_e2739b3b-bbe4-4d4c-b60f-f95b76ec5cf5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#SaleoffutureroyaltiesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2cf066a0-ece7-47a8-8a2e-bc45eebe871f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable_ba632a38-af2f-4e36-a99c-b7c96354348c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2cf066a0-ece7-47a8-8a2e-bc45eebe871f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable_ba632a38-af2f-4e36-a99c-b7c96354348c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_70dc01c8-f3a1-46b7-87a9-41eab0b42f3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable_ba632a38-af2f-4e36-a99c-b7c96354348c" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_70dc01c8-f3a1-46b7-87a9-41eab0b42f3b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_cbd6b4d8-a8ed-4c94-862b-17475bf316e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_70dc01c8-f3a1-46b7-87a9-41eab0b42f3b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_cbd6b4d8-a8ed-4c94-862b-17475bf316e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_OMERSMember_9fe25cb5-0a91-4f50-85fe-547bfa563650" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_OMERSMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_cbd6b4d8-a8ed-4c94-862b-17475bf316e1" xlink:to="loc_abus_OMERSMember_9fe25cb5-0a91-4f50-85fe-547bfa563650" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_568942a9-bb44-4f28-8fbe-c6f2c71a78f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable_ba632a38-af2f-4e36-a99c-b7c96354348c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_568942a9-bb44-4f28-8fbe-c6f2c71a78f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_5cc66ef4-ff69-4d54-a6ec-3e0995b85d9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_568942a9-bb44-4f28-8fbe-c6f2c71a78f3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_5cc66ef4-ff69-4d54-a6ec-3e0995b85d9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5a2bd6fc-1d23-475a-8ae4-939cb93334d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5cc66ef4-ff69-4d54-a6ec-3e0995b85d9d" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5a2bd6fc-1d23-475a-8ae4-939cb93334d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e654e732-5ab8-4d04-b50d-9ac888359f15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5cc66ef4-ff69-4d54-a6ec-3e0995b85d9d" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e654e732-5ab8-4d04-b50d-9ac888359f15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineProductsAndServicesTable_ba632a38-af2f-4e36-a99c-b7c96354348c" xlink:to="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_219ba3db-6281-49bf-b197-54904a8e76cf" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_219ba3db-6281-49bf-b197-54904a8e76cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier_8e3af44f-1d3f-4e26-a87d-4acf23f1d85c" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier_8e3af44f-1d3f-4e26-a87d-4acf23f1d85c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_94c1b212-2b7f-437a-9157-6de411eafc77" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_94c1b212-2b7f-437a-9157-6de411eafc77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer_0622dbac-65ec-4153-bfc0-eff32e856939" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer_0622dbac-65ec-4153-bfc0-eff32e856939" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_d9aed6e2-faa6-4109-835b-edbb0ef76cf2" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_d9aed6e2-faa6-4109-835b-edbb0ef76cf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyPayable_0fe13f40-4a61-4ef9-a209-b6c9568b985a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyPayable_0fe13f40-4a61-4ef9-a209-b6c9568b985a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_TransactionCostsRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_dc6fe62a-4df9-4734-aafa-8612877bed3a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_TransactionCostsRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_TransactionCostsRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_dc6fe62a-4df9-4734-aafa-8612877bed3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EffectiveAnnualInterestRateOfRoyaltyLiability_a8aad100-7a48-418e-9025-4ca3e24f26f6" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EffectiveAnnualInterestRateOfRoyaltyLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_EffectiveAnnualInterestRateOfRoyaltyLiability_a8aad100-7a48-418e-9025-4ca3e24f26f6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_7d270b16-80bd-41ac-9d0a-390e48379531" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureLineItems_046d1cd4-f50b-4a27-9637-ca93f317be46" xlink:to="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyRevenueRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyalties_7d270b16-80bd-41ac-9d0a-390e48379531" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesLiabilityActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#SaleoffutureroyaltiesLiabilityActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/SaleoffutureroyaltiesLiabilityActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_71990e78-406c-410b-b4c8-861545de9422" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_71990e78-406c-410b-b4c8-861545de9422" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_ccb3d617-bcf5-453a-aefb-73a2beded8d1" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_ccb3d617-bcf5-453a-aefb-73a2beded8d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashRoyaltyIncome_9d7e55ca-cd80-4ba0-8bcb-af5fe25921fd" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashRoyaltyIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashRoyaltyIncome_9d7e55ca-cd80-4ba0-8bcb-af5fe25921fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashExpense_be16dd3f-a83f-4663-98ef-4cd8f7bf4b68" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityFromSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNonCashExpense_be16dd3f-a83f-4663-98ef-4cd8f7bf4b68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_4fd6ec55-54cd-4365-8b33-0bbf91c0c113" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesRollForward_f74bf246-ba0d-4aa1-868f-6f3fa2f80aa3" xlink:to="loc_abus_LiabilityRelatedToSaleOfFutureRoyaltiesNoncurrent_4fd6ec55-54cd-4365-8b33-0bbf91c0c113" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Contingenciesandcommitments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Contingenciesandcommitments"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Contingenciesandcommitments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c4716ce1-0817-47f3-a0b5-8be68dfd9c95" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_7792d7e9-e606-4aaf-b113-19931fb90a15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c4716ce1-0817-47f3-a0b5-8be68dfd9c95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_7792d7e9-e606-4aaf-b113-19931fb90a15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesandcommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#ContingenciesandcommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/ContingenciesandcommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_ec8c1b32-4e46-4f04-aa4c-6bd9b7023336" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_ec8c1b32-4e46-4f04-aa4c-6bd9b7023336" xlink:to="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_afba8abf-f394-4ac8-92b3-78451303422b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_afba8abf-f394-4ac8-92b3-78451303422b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_c3da89a9-1fc6-437d-91be-ca495568a340" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_afba8abf-f394-4ac8-92b3-78451303422b" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_c3da89a9-1fc6-437d-91be-ca495568a340" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember_1b1fc93d-6290-4248-afc2-37a5d70fcf7a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_c3da89a9-1fc6-437d-91be-ca495568a340" xlink:to="loc_abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember_1b1fc93d-6290-4248-afc2-37a5d70fcf7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_c95386db-a2d4-4e17-af8a-b1dd68c1d684" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_c95386db-a2d4-4e17-af8a-b1dd68c1d684" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_774a2c04-e80e-4be3-af52-f53c09c5b590" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_c95386db-a2d4-4e17-af8a-b1dd68c1d684" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_774a2c04-e80e-4be3-af52-f53c09c5b590" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember_85dcd55a-cfd3-4114-b10d-e1082ef6171c" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_774a2c04-e80e-4be3-af52-f53c09c5b590" xlink:to="loc_abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember_85dcd55a-cfd3-4114-b10d-e1082ef6171c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_bfb4a9ab-8282-452b-bc76-2557fddc8999" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_bfb4a9ab-8282-452b-bc76-2557fddc8999" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b3ca1efe-d8e5-4610-8938-21a3f5b472a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_bfb4a9ab-8282-452b-bc76-2557fddc8999" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b3ca1efe-d8e5-4610-8938-21a3f5b472a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ArbutusInc.Member_039de280-b9bb-4903-bf52-b618a6729482" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ArbutusInc.Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b3ca1efe-d8e5-4610-8938-21a3f5b472a8" xlink:to="loc_abus_ArbutusInc.Member_039de280-b9bb-4903-bf52-b618a6729482" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_935e3a37-c0e4-46a7-af15-2a6b33389fc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_935e3a37-c0e4-46a7-af15-2a6b33389fc0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5735dc80-6706-4028-9d2c-03bdf2d6d4cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_935e3a37-c0e4-46a7-af15-2a6b33389fc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5735dc80-6706-4028-9d2c-03bdf2d6d4cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember_2dfe8240-6fd1-431e-af94-c0fe41adee5b" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5735dc80-6706-4028-9d2c-03bdf2d6d4cc" xlink:to="loc_abus_EnantigensSellingShareholdersMember_2dfe8240-6fd1-431e-af94-c0fe41adee5b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8d5b93ea-1752-4ad7-bc4f-2202a4fe7bac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8d5b93ea-1752-4ad7-bc4f-2202a4fe7bac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5520d91b-1747-45c1-9efa-b234fb455956" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8d5b93ea-1752-4ad7-bc4f-2202a4fe7bac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5520d91b-1747-45c1-9efa-b234fb455956" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_bcd2e8a7-1750-4722-ae12-e382f4ab05a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5520d91b-1747-45c1-9efa-b234fb455956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_bcd2e8a7-1750-4722-ae12-e382f4ab05a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable_df69e88b-cff9-4860-aaa8-57f21355c123" xlink:to="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_d2157124-64d2-424d-b0ad-375db56a933d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_d2157124-64d2-424d-b0ad-375db56a933d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementInterest_7fef0fcf-99a0-44a0-8e47-586945b0b284" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementInterest_7fef0fcf-99a0-44a0-8e47-586945b0b284" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements_235f5284-0275-4529-b857-fac91683cda8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements_235f5284-0275-4529-b857-fac91683cda8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_33b1ee47-b050-471b-9fd4-e5e910119577" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_33b1ee47-b050-471b-9fd4-e5e910119577" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense_3cf193ac-fc6d-4b1b-b9fe-25180c8fa26f" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense_3cf193ac-fc6d-4b1b-b9fe-25180c8fa26f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty_dcf1b2de-c39d-4698-b571-a7cbdebd4b11" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerRoyalty_dcf1b2de-c39d-4698-b571-a7cbdebd4b11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_892ddaac-dfa1-4b21-b02a-210b6507b777" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems_ac32a6e2-5d81-415b-8824-8649297a929a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_892ddaac-dfa1-4b21-b02a-210b6507b777" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Collaborationscontractsandlicensingagreements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Collaborationscontractsandlicensingagreements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Collaborationscontractsandlicensingagreements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_37967556-c471-4f55-8581-10746f0be95c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_441e7359-d092-4115-96dc-76c9e3891e7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_37967556-c471-4f55-8581-10746f0be95c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_441e7359-d092-4115-96dc-76c9e3891e7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_be28aa2b-920e-44ac-a681-8e578b675a82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTableTextBlock_e5232718-e291-4a39-b9e5-e98a3ffee08d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_be28aa2b-920e-44ac-a681-8e578b675a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTableTextBlock_e5232718-e291-4a39-b9e5-e98a3ffee08d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/CollaborationscontractsandlicensingagreementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_e8eb90f8-5865-4958-a819-45499a9699fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_e8eb90f8-5865-4958-a819-45499a9699fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_974a1893-9fd0-464c-a06b-ce4feca53ed5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_974a1893-9fd0-464c-a06b-ce4feca53ed5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_974a1893-9fd0-464c-a06b-ce4feca53ed5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AssemblyBiosciencesIncMember_1eef6dff-c8ef-412d-aba7-b6eddea7ba14" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AssemblyBiosciencesIncMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:to="loc_abus_AssemblyBiosciencesIncMember_1eef6dff-c8ef-412d-aba7-b6eddea7ba14" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_OMERSMember_d357bc32-36ad-42a3-b910-44573a9094fb" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_OMERSMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:to="loc_abus_OMERSMember_d357bc32-36ad-42a3-b910-44573a9094fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AcuitasTherapeuticsInc.Member_13f57a75-458a-4c2f-b22f-6c7dcd3709d3" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AcuitasTherapeuticsInc.Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:to="loc_abus_AcuitasTherapeuticsInc.Member_13f57a75-458a-4c2f-b22f-6c7dcd3709d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_OtherMilestoneandRoyaltyPaymentsMember_413c178e-b27f-4631-b4a5-87d7cdb1c98a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_OtherMilestoneandRoyaltyPaymentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:to="loc_abus_OtherMilestoneandRoyaltyPaymentsMember_413c178e-b27f-4631-b4a5-87d7cdb1c98a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_AlnylamPharmaceuticalsIncMember_c67e9ae2-b8c5-4c70-9c15-be2e57d39071" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_AlnylamPharmaceuticalsIncMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_e410b849-f0b4-491f-8920-82442438f4f8" xlink:to="loc_abus_AlnylamPharmaceuticalsIncMember_c67e9ae2-b8c5-4c70-9c15-be2e57d39071" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2184d34c-d7a1-4a09-90a7-08da5600a444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2184d34c-d7a1-4a09-90a7-08da5600a444" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_6338fce0-fb30-481f-b9d4-01d435f6fb60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2184d34c-d7a1-4a09-90a7-08da5600a444" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_6338fce0-fb30-481f-b9d4-01d435f6fb60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_f52e11a8-b6fa-4c41-be3b-25a594e3f6e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_6338fce0-fb30-481f-b9d4-01d435f6fb60" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_f52e11a8-b6fa-4c41-be3b-25a594e3f6e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8b62b8da-bab6-4241-b31f-24c3d5af813f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_6338fce0-fb30-481f-b9d4-01d435f6fb60" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8b62b8da-bab6-4241-b31f-24c3d5af813f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_9e1d0384-662c-494b-9f9d-cf907375f578" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_9e1d0384-662c-494b-9f9d-cf907375f578" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52287f94-f7a2-49f7-912a-f3c27e58a771" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_9e1d0384-662c-494b-9f9d-cf907375f578" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52287f94-f7a2-49f7-912a-f3c27e58a771" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicenseMember_6a5bb351-44d2-4dea-84c7-318a12ce8130" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52287f94-f7a2-49f7-912a-f3c27e58a771" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicenseMember_6a5bb351-44d2-4dea-84c7-318a12ce8130" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember_c32221f6-160f-47f8-8541-fa55e503a64f" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52287f94-f7a2-49f7-912a-f3c27e58a771" xlink:to="loc_abus_NonCashRoyaltyMember_c32221f6-160f-47f8-8541-fa55e503a64f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_bf657296-c6ff-4fb1-a585-450d8b1a8dd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_0eee013d-e3e5-4eee-997f-054e57acd5ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_0eee013d-e3e5-4eee-997f-054e57acd5ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyEntitlements_76692070-d341-4603-8975-ed625979dcfc" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyEntitlements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyEntitlements_76692070-d341-4603-8975-ed625979dcfc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_cff80280-2859-46df-a90d-3dc069e6ba0e" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyPercentageofInterestSold_cff80280-2859-46df-a90d-3dc069e6ba0e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier_dadb22a7-55a7-4dee-b86b-5a382a5ec663" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldPercentageOfSalesAnnualRevenueThresholdOfHighestTier_dadb22a7-55a7-4dee-b86b-5a382a5ec663" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_b5acc6a9-2198-4410-acd9-79e14def919a" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_GrossProceedsFromRoyaltyInterestSold_b5acc6a9-2198-4410-acd9-79e14def919a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer_2aa8fbc6-1460-4f61-93bb-cba73f8a04f9" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyInterestSoldMaximumRoyaltiesForBuyer_2aa8fbc6-1460-4f61-93bb-cba73f8a04f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_7cc2312b-1de5-43bc-a305-37ec357d57b4" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage_7cc2312b-1de5-43bc-a305-37ec357d57b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoyaltyPayable_b24d2e1e-a37a-402a-be33-edd35465b6d5" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoyaltyPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoyaltyPayable_b24d2e1e-a37a-402a-be33-edd35465b6d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_a441630c-d338-49ca-b324-6be6a843bca8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_9957b3f7-6179-4e28-aba8-a162dd2e5166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_a441630c-d338-49ca-b324-6be6a843bca8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Stockholdersequity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Stockholdersequity"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Stockholdersequity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_5cad7fa5-658a-4fb8-9721-d03dc02414e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_67cf5265-881c-4820-9482-c0c3362d5071" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_5cad7fa5-658a-4fb8-9721-d03dc02414e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_67cf5265-881c-4820-9482-c0c3362d5071" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#StockholdersequityTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_d62c2794-f34e-4bbe-999e-af03c972ea2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_75d6e3b2-adac-4892-ac91-fed4d20b79fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_d62c2794-f34e-4bbe-999e-af03c972ea2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_75d6e3b2-adac-4892-ac91-fed4d20b79fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#StockholdersequityNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_c6e8337f-3a82-45fe-84e6-7c38105ccd7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_c6e8337f-3a82-45fe-84e6-7c38105ccd7f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f5a09879-1ac6-4308-b961-ba3a155e5d37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f5a09879-1ac6-4308-b961-ba3a155e5d37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c376e717-49d2-489e-8ec1-c2373862cb37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f5a09879-1ac6-4308-b961-ba3a155e5d37" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c376e717-49d2-489e-8ec1-c2373862cb37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_JefferiesLLCMember_72d1d6f5-690d-411c-b9b1-c5c5e73b3627" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_JefferiesLLCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c376e717-49d2-489e-8ec1-c2373862cb37" xlink:to="loc_abus_JefferiesLLCMember_72d1d6f5-690d-411c-b9b1-c5c5e73b3627" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_65b13619-43ce-4816-80e8-c2af07ddd4ba" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c376e717-49d2-489e-8ec1-c2373862cb37" xlink:to="loc_abus_RoivantSciencesLtdMember_65b13619-43ce-4816-80e8-c2af07ddd4ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_50f2810b-93bc-4a77-bf04-fded97d1b148" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_50f2810b-93bc-4a77-bf04-fded97d1b148" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b90e4ce0-0288-407b-abca-79ab10f4d6d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_50f2810b-93bc-4a77-bf04-fded97d1b148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b90e4ce0-0288-407b-abca-79ab10f4d6d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ab445b5a-1a97-4a92-b680-244b030a8455" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b90e4ce0-0288-407b-abca-79ab10f4d6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ab445b5a-1a97-4a92-b680-244b030a8455" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_ff24bb7f-9972-4f94-bfc5-f3f1dd8311a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b90e4ce0-0288-407b-abca-79ab10f4d6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_ff24bb7f-9972-4f94-bfc5-f3f1dd8311a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ff1e09d0-138b-4d67-b3bc-1585a2532eb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ff1e09d0-138b-4d67-b3bc-1585a2532eb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ff1e09d0-138b-4d67-b3bc-1585a2532eb0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_Mar2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember_32d2b9f8-451e-4435-9147-184706eba111" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_Mar2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:to="loc_abus_Mar2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember_32d2b9f8-451e-4435-9147-184706eba111" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_A2020AmendedSaleAgreementMember_f9a9b3d1-0640-4bc2-a73b-ef24418cc7b4" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_A2020AmendedSaleAgreementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:to="loc_abus_A2020AmendedSaleAgreementMember_f9a9b3d1-0640-4bc2-a73b-ef24418cc7b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_A2019AmendedSaleAgreementMember_fb1072e1-57bf-44c6-8fea-1f5c03c06562" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_A2019AmendedSaleAgreementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:to="loc_abus_A2019AmendedSaleAgreementMember_fb1072e1-57bf-44c6-8fea-1f5c03c06562" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_Oct2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember_8ac4208c-2c91-4a45-8ea3-99f96757ecb9" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_Oct2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_d99b8dfa-2b22-47bf-8028-2ae314a87c3f" xlink:to="loc_abus_Oct2021ProspectusSupplementAgreementMember_8ac4208c-2c91-4a45-8ea3-99f96757ecb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f31834eb-a30e-4f7c-89ca-c812a17d6233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f31834eb-a30e-4f7c-89ca-c812a17d6233" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77e85465-a377-47c7-899c-fbd7b1ca5790" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f31834eb-a30e-4f7c-89ca-c812a17d6233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77e85465-a377-47c7-899c-fbd7b1ca5790" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_34f5106a-1705-4172-a10c-217ab44aef3c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77e85465-a377-47c7-899c-fbd7b1ca5790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_34f5106a-1705-4172-a10c-217ab44aef3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_dfee9cf0-4d67-43e1-8afd-a53ed17c63c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions_e97801d9-c119-482b-8c31-de20ecab88e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscriptions_e97801d9-c119-482b-8c31-de20ecab88e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_aec76571-3145-48a5-8d15-37991416fa8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_aec76571-3145-48a5-8d15-37991416fa8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_de116320-f460-408a-b1df-4f90294b4e42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_de116320-f460-408a-b1df-4f90294b4e42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_2709c5e6-aec9-4681-bf32-659fab19ed35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_2709c5e6-aec9-4681-bf32-659fab19ed35" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_dd2bc72d-d440-4484-a8b5-7f54208c1540" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_dd2bc72d-d440-4484-a8b5-7f54208c1540" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_PremiumonClosingStockPrice_ddb69f65-99c2-45cb-acc7-37cf7ca370ee" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_PremiumonClosingStockPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_abus_PremiumonClosingStockPrice_ddb69f65-99c2-45cb-acc7-37cf7ca370ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_f7eb84d7-5a42-4774-baac-ece90383142d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_f7eb84d7-5a42-4774-baac-ece90383142d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_11caf922-394b-4bbd-8d1a-27e3fc8b50b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_11caf922-394b-4bbd-8d1a-27e3fc8b50b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_1280be5f-db8c-4efe-b0e9-0b0201ab14ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_1280be5f-db8c-4efe-b0e9-0b0201ab14ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners_a3e64e63-5b54-4853-98c4-e5a99bb72082" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestMaximumOwnershipPercentagebyNoncontrollingOwners_a3e64e63-5b54-4853-98c4-e5a99bb72082" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion_70db8bef-ad25-4df1-9ca3-54a63fe41757" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_abus_NoncontrollingInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwnersAfterConversion_70db8bef-ad25-4df1-9ca3-54a63fe41757" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_LockUpPeriodPreferredShareholders_aac1ee7b-8320-445a-b632-df4c0d65ea8d" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_LockUpPeriodPreferredShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_abus_LockUpPeriodPreferredShareholders_aac1ee7b-8320-445a-b632-df4c0d65ea8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_StandStillPeriodForPreferredShareholder_251f5a15-2a72-4db9-9406-69b30adf7b80" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_StandStillPeriodForPreferredShareholder"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4ebf57d8-f0df-4935-8b5b-5b14f8ab140f" xlink:to="loc_abus_StandStillPeriodForPreferredShareholder_251f5a15-2a72-4db9-9406-69b30adf7b80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityStockbasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#StockholdersequityStockbasedCompensationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/StockholdersequityStockbasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_4d6daf69-8fba-4a7b-bb7e-90384273c22c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_14ea2131-c0ff-4972-aa27-aca249a2c8a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract_4d6daf69-8fba-4a7b-bb7e-90384273c22c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_14ea2131-c0ff-4972-aa27-aca249a2c8a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_bac26b55-4246-4738-82d2-5a1c6a515d38" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_14ea2131-c0ff-4972-aa27-aca249a2c8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_bac26b55-4246-4738-82d2-5a1c6a515d38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_7c466262-8ed8-4ac9-a88d-82a724b39f84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_bac26b55-4246-4738-82d2-5a1c6a515d38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_7c466262-8ed8-4ac9-a88d-82a724b39f84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ArbutusPlansMember_7bd4eb0c-8b78-44cb-a91a-2056770d2eb2" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ArbutusPlansMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_7c466262-8ed8-4ac9-a88d-82a724b39f84" xlink:to="loc_abus_ArbutusPlansMember_7bd4eb0c-8b78-44cb-a91a-2056770d2eb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_93db5389-428a-48ec-bb75-d96460805459" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_14ea2131-c0ff-4972-aa27-aca249a2c8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_93db5389-428a-48ec-bb75-d96460805459" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_daf1e2a2-f19e-4585-8b52-bd7563235e19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_93db5389-428a-48ec-bb75-d96460805459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_daf1e2a2-f19e-4585-8b52-bd7563235e19" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_3ed787e8-c072-4960-9b2b-7e60685e7c33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_daf1e2a2-f19e-4585-8b52-bd7563235e19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_3ed787e8-c072-4960-9b2b-7e60685e7c33" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_d51812bb-18bd-471a-8430-20157ad0ece9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_daf1e2a2-f19e-4585-8b52-bd7563235e19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_d51812bb-18bd-471a-8430-20157ad0ece9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_758a9e29-4d94-4fa5-bb0d-bb6617261131" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_14ea2131-c0ff-4972-aa27-aca249a2c8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_758a9e29-4d94-4fa5-bb0d-bb6617261131" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_2f9209a8-c92c-4f5a-a493-9231c2ecd1bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_758a9e29-4d94-4fa5-bb0d-bb6617261131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_2f9209a8-c92c-4f5a-a493-9231c2ecd1bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_ca38e9c6-e615-4c78-bf2c-e3e72afe6254" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_758a9e29-4d94-4fa5-bb0d-bb6617261131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_ca38e9c6-e615-4c78-bf2c-e3e72afe6254" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_3ae98150-05f4-4a3f-87f4-b6eeb6fa287f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_758a9e29-4d94-4fa5-bb0d-bb6617261131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_3ae98150-05f4-4a3f-87f4-b6eeb6fa287f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Relatedpartytransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#Relatedpartytransactions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/Relatedpartytransactions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_21810308-c151-47c1-8af0-0c6a4470c7bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_cb0a7973-3514-4431-b319-6647214d839c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_21810308-c151-47c1-8af0-0c6a4470c7bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_cb0a7973-3514-4431-b319-6647214d839c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedpartytransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#RelatedpartytransactionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arbutusbio.com/role/RelatedpartytransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_8840a3b5-13a8-49d6-a6b1-da23ecaa796c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_64d2c9e8-b5bf-438e-b8fc-db6393d4b4fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_8840a3b5-13a8-49d6-a6b1-da23ecaa796c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_64d2c9e8-b5bf-438e-b8fc-db6393d4b4fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f148b6f1-dc25-45ff-bed5-53650a7b1250" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_64d2c9e8-b5bf-438e-b8fc-db6393d4b4fe" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f148b6f1-dc25-45ff-bed5-53650a7b1250" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6401e74b-f656-43b5-9ebb-8ba90e3361a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f148b6f1-dc25-45ff-bed5-53650a7b1250" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6401e74b-f656-43b5-9ebb-8ba90e3361a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_44bfbc41-5a69-4f18-85bf-91258166e98f" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6401e74b-f656-43b5-9ebb-8ba90e3361a9" xlink:to="loc_abus_GenevantSciencesCorporationMember_44bfbc41-5a69-4f18-85bf-91258166e98f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_3fa42599-e8c9-408e-91c5-4aab06df7c2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_64d2c9e8-b5bf-438e-b8fc-db6393d4b4fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_3fa42599-e8c9-408e-91c5-4aab06df7c2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_00ad4f72-d8b9-47d3-9b1d-f163372b3914" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_3fa42599-e8c9-408e-91c5-4aab06df7c2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_00ad4f72-d8b9-47d3-9b1d-f163372b3914" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember_23d35621-7231-4d92-ae5c-045939dc5883" xlink:href="abus-20210930.xsd#abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_00ad4f72-d8b9-47d3-9b1d-f163372b3914" xlink:to="loc_abus_ResearchAndDevelopmentServicesMember_23d35621-7231-4d92-ae5c-045939dc5883" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_f4a9b34e-ac16-4e05-af93-f893a5132e7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_64d2c9e8-b5bf-438e-b8fc-db6393d4b4fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_f4a9b34e-ac16-4e05-af93-f893a5132e7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_479b9bba-b547-4287-b9ac-50993b648df7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_f4a9b34e-ac16-4e05-af93-f893a5132e7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_479b9bba-b547-4287-b9ac-50993b648df7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
