

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/20161231" xmlns:abus="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/20161231" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-roles-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-types-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2016/country-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2016/currency-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2016/exch-2016-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="abus-20161231_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="abus-20161231_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="abus-20161231_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="abus-20161231_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreements" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreements">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDeferredCollaborationsAndContractsRevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDeferredCollaborationsAndContractsRevenueDetails">
        <link:definition>2404404 - Disclosure - Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements - Deferred Collaborations and Contracts Revenue (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404402 - Disclosure - Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsRevenueRecognizedUnderCollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsRevenueRecognizedUnderCollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404403 - Disclosure - Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements - Revenue Recognized Under Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/CollaborationsContractsAndLicensingAgreementsTables">
        <link:definition>2304301 - Disclosure - Collaborations, Contracts and Licensing Agreements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationsOfBusinessRisk" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConcentrationsOfBusinessRisk">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - Concentrations of Business Risk</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskDetails">
        <link:definition>2411402 - Disclosure - Concentrations of Business Risk (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskForeignCurrencyExposureDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskForeignCurrencyExposureDetails">
        <link:definition>2411404 - Disclosure - Concentrations of Business Risk - Foreign Currency Exposure (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskNetLiquidityOfCompanyDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskNetLiquidityOfCompanyDetails">
        <link:definition>2411403 - Disclosure - Concentrations of Business Risk - Net Liquidity of the Company (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConcentrationsOfBusinessRiskTables">
        <link:definition>2311301 - Disclosure - Concentrations of Business Risk (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Stockholders&#8217; Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1003501 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Equity (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ContingenciesAndCommitments" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitments">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ContingenciesAndCommitmentsMinimumRentAndEstimatedOperatingCostCommitmentNetLeaseInducementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsMinimumRentAndEstimatedOperatingCostCommitmentNetLeaseInducementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2410403 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments - Minimum Rent and Estimated Operating Cost Commitment, Net Lease Inducements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCredits" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCredits">
        <link:definition>2107100 - Disclosure - Government Grants and Refundable Investment Tax Credits</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsDetails">
        <link:definition>2407401 - Disclosure - Government Grants and Refundable Investment Tax Credits (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill">
        <link:definition>2103100 - Disclosure - Impairment Evaluations For Intangible Assets and Goodwill</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2403402 - Disclosure - Impairment Evaluations For Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillSummaryOfCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillSummaryOfCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2403403 - Disclosure - Impairment Evaluations For Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Summary of carrying value of intangible assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ImpairmentEvaluationsForIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables">
        <link:definition>2303301 - Disclosure - Impairment Evaluations For Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2408404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2408402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxReconciliationDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxReconciliationDetails">
        <link:definition>2408403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>2308301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InterimFinancialDataUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/InterimFinancialDataUnaudited">
        <link:definition>2113100 - Disclosure - Interim Financial Data (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InterimFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/InterimFinancialDataUnauditedDetails">
        <link:definition>2413402 - Disclosure - Interim Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InterimFinancialDataUnauditedTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/InterimFinancialDataUnauditedTables">
        <link:definition>2313301 - Disclosure - Interim Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LoanPayable" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/LoanPayable">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - Loan Payable</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LoanPayableDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/LoanPayableDetails">
        <link:definition>2409401 - Disclosure - Loan Payable (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NatureOfBusinessAndFutureOperations" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAndFutureOperations">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Nature of Business and Future Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>2105100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2405403 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentSummaryDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentSummaryDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment Summary (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapital" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapital">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - Share Capital</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalLocationOfExpensesForStockBasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalLocationOfExpensesForStockBasedCompensationDetails">
        <link:definition>2406416 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Location Of Expenses for Stock-based Compensation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalNonVestedLiabilityStockOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalNonVestedLiabilityStockOptionActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2406412 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Non-vested Liability Stock Option Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalNonVestedStockOptionActivityEquityOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalNonVestedStockOptionActivityEquityOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406407 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Non-vested Stock Option Activity - Equity Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalNonVestedStockOptionActivityOncoreOptionPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalNonVestedStockOptionActivityOncoreOptionPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2406415 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Non-vested Stock Option Activity OnCore Option Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalOutstandingOptionsUnderOncoreOptionPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalOutstandingOptionsUnderOncoreOptionPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2406414 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Outstanding Options Under the OnCore Option Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalOutstandingOptionsUnderProtivaOptionPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalOutstandingOptionsUnderProtivaOptionPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2406413 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Outstanding Options Under the Protiva Option Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalStockOptionActivityForLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalStockOptionActivityForLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406410 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Stock Option Activity for Liability-Classified Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalStockOptionsOutstandingEquityOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalStockOptionsOutstandingEquityOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406406 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Stock Options Outstanding - Equity Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalSummaryOfInformationEquityOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalSummaryOfInformationEquityOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406405 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Summary of Information - Equity Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalSummaryOfInformationLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalSummaryOfInformationLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406411 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Summary of Information Liability-Classified Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalSummaryOfWarrantActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalSummaryOfWarrantActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2406403 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Summary of Warrant Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - Disclosure - Share Capital (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsAssumptionsWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsAssumptionsWarrantsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406404 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Valuation Assumptions Assumptions - Warrants (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsEquityOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsEquityOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406408 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Valuation Assumptions - Equity Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/ShareCapitalValuationAssumptionsLiabilityClassifiedOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406409 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Valuation Assumptions - Liability-Classified Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>2402404 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfCompanysWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfCompanysWarrantsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402405 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Fair Value of the Company's Warrants (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDetails">
        <link:definition>2402407 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfLiabilityClassifiedStockOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesChangesInFairValueOfLiabilityClassifiedStockOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402406 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Fair Value of Liability-Classified Stock Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerCommonShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerCommonShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2402409 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedUsefulLivesDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedUsefulLivesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402408 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2402403 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2202201 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>2302302 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails">
        <link:definition>2414401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementaryInformation" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SupplementaryInformation">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - Supplementary Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementaryInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SupplementaryInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - Supplementary Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementaryInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.tekmirapharm.com/role/SupplementaryInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - Supplementary Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_A2007PlanMember" name="A2007PlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_A2011PlanMember" name="A2011PlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_AccruedPayrollCurrent" name="AccruedPayrollCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_AccruedResearchandDevelopmentCurrent" name="AccruedResearchandDevelopmentCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards" name="AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCertainFairValueAdjustmentstoLiabilityStockOptionAwards" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalReclassificationofEquitytoLiabilityStockOptionAwards" name="AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalReclassificationofEquitytoLiabilityStockOptionAwards" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_AlexionMember" name="AlexionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ApproximateOptionPeriod" name="ApproximateOptionPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember" name="ArbitrationWithTheUniversityOfBritishColumbiaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ArbutusInc.Member" name="ArbutusInc.Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ArbutusPlansMember" name="ArbutusPlansMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BMSMember" name="BMSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BalanceWeightedaverageremainingcontractuallife" name="BalanceWeightedaverageremainingcontractuallife" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BlumbergMember" name="BlumbergMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_BlumbergandDrexelMember" name="BlumbergandDrexelMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssignedAttributedAsPostCombinationServiceAndNotIncludedAsPartOfTotalPurchasePrice" name="BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssignedAttributedAsPostCombinationServiceAndNotIncludedAsPartOfTotalPurchasePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssignedAttributedAsPreCombinationServiceAndIncludedAsPartOfTotalPurchasePrice" name="BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssignedAttributedAsPreCombinationServiceAndIncludedAsPartOfTotalPurchasePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_BusinessCombinationAccelerationOfShareBasedCompensationExpensePerQuarter" name="BusinessCombinationAccelerationOfShareBasedCompensationExpensePerQuarter" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeinAmountofContingentConsiderationFairValueLiabilityRollForward" name="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeinAmountofContingentConsiderationFairValueLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_CashlessExerciseProvisionMember" name="CashlessExerciseProvisionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ChangesInFairValueOfWarrantsTableTextBlock" name="ChangesInFairValueOfWarrantsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock" name="ChangesInFairValueofLiabilityOptionTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisedDuringPeriod" name="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisedDuringPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisedDuringPeriodExercisePrice" name="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisedDuringPeriodExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRightsRollForward" name="ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRightsRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassOfWarrantOrRightPriceOfWarrantsOrRightsIntrinsicValue" name="ClassOfWarrantOrRightPriceOfWarrantsOrRightsIntrinsicValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassOfWarrantorRightOutstandExcercisePriceRange" name="ClassOfWarrantorRightOutstandExcercisePriceRange" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassOfWarrantsOrRightsExcercisedPriceRange" name="ClassOfWarrantsOrRightsExcercisedPriceRange" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassofWarrantorRightExpired" name="ClassofWarrantorRightExpired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ClassofWarrantsorRightsExpiredPriceRange" name="ClassofWarrantsorRightsExpiredPriceRange" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_CollaborationsAndContractsAbstract" name="CollaborationsAndContractsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_CommonSharesAttributedtoPostAcquisitionPeriodCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedOverExpiryPeriodofRepurchaseProvisionRights" name="CommonSharesAttributedtoPostAcquisitionPeriodCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedOverExpiryPeriodofRepurchaseProvisionRights" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsLineItems" name="ComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsTable" name="ComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems" name="ContingenciesandCommitmentsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable" name="ContingenciesandCommitmentsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ContractExtensionMember" name="ContractExtensionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ContractModificationsAxis" name="ContractModificationsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ContractModificationsDomain" name="ContractModificationsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ContractualObligationAmountOfResearchFundingPerYear" name="ContractualObligationAmountOfResearchFundingPerYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_CumulativeContributionforProduct" name="CumulativeContributionforProduct" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_CyclophilinDrugCandidateOCB030Member" name="CyclophilinDrugCandidateOCB030Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_CytosMember" name="CytosMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DebtandRestrictedCashInvestmentPolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="DebtandRestrictedCashInvestmentPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DeferredTaxAssetBookAmortizationInExcessOfTax" name="DeferredTaxAssetBookAmortizationInExcessOfTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DeferredTaxAssetRevenueRecognizedForTaxPurposesInExcessOfRevenueRecognizedForAccountingPurposes" name="DeferredTaxAssetRevenueRecognizedForTaxPurposesInExcessOfRevenueRecognizedForAccountingPurposes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DeferredTaxAssetTaxValueInExcessOfAccountingValueInLeaseInducements" name="DeferredTaxAssetTaxValueInExcessOfAccountingValueInLeaseInducements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DeferredTaxAssetUpfrontLicenseFees" name="DeferredTaxAssetUpfrontLicenseFees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DesignatedPlansMember" name="DesignatedPlansMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DicernaMember" name="DicernaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_DoDMember" name="DoDMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember" name="EmployeeStockOptionLiabilityClassifiedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding" name="EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure" name="EmployeeStockOptionsLiabilityClassifiedOutstandingFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_EnantigenMember" name="EnantigenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_EquivalentNumberOfCompanyCommonSharesMember" name="EquivalentNumberOfCompanyCommonSharesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ExpiredRepurchaseRightsOnSharesIssuedtoArbutusInc.Member" name="ExpiredRepurchaseRightsOnSharesIssuedtoArbutusInc.Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ExposuretoCanadianDollar" name="ExposuretoCanadianDollar" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward" name="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredonRecurringBasisRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_FairValueOfWarrantsExercisedInThePeriod" name="FairValueOfWarrantsExercisedInThePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_FairValueOfWarrantsOutstandingPerWarrant" name="FairValueOfWarrantsOutstandingPerWarrant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_FairValueWarrantsForeignExchangeGainLoss" name="FairValueWarrantsForeignExchangeGainLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_FairValueofWarrantsExercisedonaCashlessBasis" name="FairValueofWarrantsExercisedonaCashlessBasis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ForeignCurrencyExposureMember" name="ForeignCurrencyExposureMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsAbstract" name="GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsPolicyTextBlock" name="GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsTextBlock" name="GovernmentGrantsAndRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_GovernmentGrantsandRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsLineItems" name="GovernmentGrantsandRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_GovernmentGrantsandRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsTable" name="GovernmentGrantsandRefundableInvestmentTaxCreditsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ISARICMember" name="ISARICMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_InProcessResearchandDevelopmentAntigenInhibitorsMember" name="InProcessResearchandDevelopmentAntigenInhibitorsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_InProcessResearchandDevelopmentImmuneModulatorsMember" name="InProcessResearchandDevelopmentImmuneModulatorsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_InProcessResearchandDevelopmentcccDNASterilizersMember" name="InProcessResearchandDevelopmentcccDNASterilizersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_IncomeTaxesDetailsLineItems" name="IncomeTaxesDetailsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_IncomeTaxesTable" name="IncomeTaxesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability" name="IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreaseDecreaseInValueOfWarrants" name="IncreaseDecreaseInValueOfWarrants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreaseDecreaseOtherDeferredCostsNet" name="IncreaseDecreaseOtherDeferredCostsNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions" name="IncreaseDecreaseinFairValueofLiabilityClassifiedOptions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreaseToSupportDevelopmentPlansMember" name="IncreaseToSupportDevelopmentPlansMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_IncreasedFundingForStageOneMember" name="IncreasedFundingForStageOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LaboratoryEquipmentMember" name="LaboratoryEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_LaboratoryFacilitiesandOfficeSpaceMember" name="LaboratoryFacilitiesandOfficeSpaceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LengthOfAgreementWithBristolMyersSquibb" name="LengthOfAgreementWithBristolMyersSquibb" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LesseeLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesNumberofRenewalOptions" name="LesseeLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesNumberofRenewalOptions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense" name="LicenseAgreementMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsPerLicense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LicenseAgreementMaximumSalesPerformanceMilestonePaymentsPerLicense" name="LicenseAgreementMaximumSalesPerformanceMilestonePaymentsPerLicense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_LicenseUpfrontPayment" name="LicenseUpfrontPayment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_LicensingFeesMilestoneAndRoyaltyPaymentsAbstract" name="LicensingFeesMilestoneAndRoyaltyPaymentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MarqiboCommercialSalesMember" name="MarqiboCommercialSalesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MarqiboMember" name="MarqiboMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MaximumContributionForProduct" name="MaximumContributionForProduct" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MaximumPotentialTransactionValue" name="MaximumPotentialTransactionValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MilestonePayment" name="MilestonePayment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_MonsantoMember" name="MonsantoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NearTermContractPayments" name="NearTermContractPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NetLiquidity" name="NetLiquidity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NetLiquidityDisclosureTableTextBlock" name="NetLiquidityDisclosureTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" name="NumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberOfChemotherapyProductsWithWorldwideLicenses" name="NumberOfChemotherapyProductsWithWorldwideLicenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberOfExecutiveOfficersGrantedOptionsWithNewAppointments" name="NumberOfExecutiveOfficersGrantedOptionsWithNewAppointments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberofShareBasedCompensationPlans" name="NumberofShareBasedCompensationPlans" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberofShareholdersSubjecttoRepurchaseProvision" name="NumberofShareholdersSubjecttoRepurchaseProvision" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_NumberofShareholdersWhoseDepartureAcceleratedCompensationExpense" name="NumberofShareholdersWhoseDepartureAcceleratedCompensationExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Numberofseriesofcompounds" name="Numberofseriesofcompounds" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_OnCoreOptionPlanMember" name="OnCoreOptionPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_OptionExercisedContractualOptionRevenueAmount" name="OptionExercisedContractualOptionRevenueAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_OptionPeriodExtension" name="OptionPeriodExtension" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_OptionalExcercisedContractualOptionAmount" name="OptionalExcercisedContractualOptionAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_OtherMilestoneandRoyaltyPaymentsMember" name="OtherMilestoneandRoyaltyPaymentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_PADCo.Member" name="PADCo.Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_PatentTaxRefundPercentage" name="PatentTaxRefundPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_PercentOfCostsFundedByTPC" name="PercentOfCostsFundedByTPC" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_PotentialContractFundingAmount" name="PotentialContractFundingAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_PotentialProceedsOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" name="PotentialProceedsOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockNet" name="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_PromissoryNoteMember" name="PromissoryNoteMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLivesTableTextBlock" name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLivesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_ProtivaOptionPlanMember" name="ProtivaOptionPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ProtivaShareOptionsMember" name="ProtivaShareOptionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range1Member" name="Range1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range2Member" name="Range2Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range3Member" name="Range3Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range4Member" name="Range4Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range5Member" name="Range5Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range6Member" name="Range6Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_Range7Member" name="Range7Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ReplacementAwardsPolicyTextBlock" name="ReplacementAwardsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseMaximumCommercializationMilestonePayments" name="ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseMaximumCommercializationMilestonePayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePayments" name="ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseMaximumDevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseUpfrontPayment" name="ResearchFundingAgreementRightToObtainExclusiveLicenseUpfrontPayment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingPeriod" name="ResearchFundingPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingPeriodNumberofRenewableOptions" name="ResearchFundingPeriodNumberofRenewableOptions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ResearchFundingPeriodRenewableOption" name="ResearchFundingPeriodRenewableOption" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_RestrictedInvestmentTerm" name="RestrictedInvestmentTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_RevisedNewCommonSharesMember" name="RevisedNewCommonSharesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_RoyaltiesPaidOrAccrued" name="RoyaltiesPaidOrAccrued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage" name="RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_RoyaltyPayable" name="RoyaltyPayable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsReclassificationtoLiabilityNonvestedWeightedAverageFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsReclassificationtoLiabilityNonvestedWeightedAverageFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedReclassificationtoLiabilityNumberofShares" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedReclassificationtoLiabilityNumberofShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingFairValuePrice" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingFairValuePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriod" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriodIntrinsicValue" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriodIntrinsicValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_SharebasedCompensationArrangementsbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementsbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsReclassificationstoLiabilityinPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_StageOneMember" name="StageOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_TalonTherapeuticsMember" name="TalonTherapeuticsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_TemporalDiagramOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTableTextBlock" name="TemporalDiagramOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_ThresholdPeriodToPayAccountsPayables" name="ThresholdPeriodToPayAccountsPayables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_TotalRangeMember" name="TotalRangeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_UnexpiredRepurchaseRightsOnSharesIssuedtoArbutusInc.Member" name="UnexpiredRepurchaseRightsOnSharesIssuedtoArbutusInc.Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_WarrantsExercised" name="WarrantsExercised" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_WarrantsPolicyTextBlock" name="WarrantsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="abus_WellsFargoMember" name="WellsFargoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="abus_WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements" name="WhollyOwnedSubsidiariesIncludedinFinancialStatements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
</xsd:schema>




