<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<!-- Generated by DataTracks version 1.1.9 on 07-May-2018 [03:56:20] {PM} EST - www.datatracks.com -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecurities" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecurities" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#AccruedExpenses" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpenses" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquity" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CollaborationAgreement" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CollaborationAgreement" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecuritiesTables" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesTables" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#AccruedExpensesTables" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpensesTables" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#NatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecuritiesDetails1" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails1" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecuritiesDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails2" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#MarketableSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#AccruedExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpensesDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails1" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails1" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails2" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails3" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails3" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails4" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails4" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CollaborationAgreementAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CollaborationAgreementAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" />

  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#NatureOfBusiness" roleURI="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" />

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_asmb_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_2" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_3" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_3" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1440" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1440" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1441" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1440" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1441" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_3" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_5" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_5" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_6" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_6" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_7" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_7" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_8" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_8" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_9" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_9" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_10" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_10" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_11" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_11" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_12" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_12" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_13" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_13" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_14" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_14" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_15" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_15" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncements">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_561" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_562" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_561" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_562" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecurities">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_973" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_974" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_973" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_974" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_834" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_835" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_834" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_835" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpenses">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_864" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_865" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_865" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquity">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_28" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_916" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_916" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CollaborationAgreement">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1342" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_1343" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_1343" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_51" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_52" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_52" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_52" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_54" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_54" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_55" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_55" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_56" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_56" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_58" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_58" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_947" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_947" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_1403" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_1403" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_674" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_674" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_60" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_60" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent_949" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent_949" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_61" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_61" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDeposit_675" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDeposit_675" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_62" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_62" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_63" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_63" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/positiveLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_950" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_950" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_64" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_64" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_673" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_673" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_699" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_699" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_1332" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_1332" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_68" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_68" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ContingentLicenseFeeNonCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ContingentLicenseFeeNonCurrentAbstract_69" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ContingentLicenseFeeNonCurrentAbstract_69" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_951" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_951" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent_70" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent_70" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_1333" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_1333" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_952" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_952" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_71" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_71" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_941" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_941" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_72" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_72" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_73" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_73" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_74" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_74" use="optional" order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_953" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_953" use="optional" order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_76" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_76" use="optional" order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_77" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_77" use="optional" order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_78" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_78" use="optional" order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_34" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_35" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_35" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_807" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_807" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_589" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_589" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_asmb_SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock_808" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_asmb_SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock_808" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_588" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_588" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_1336" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_1336" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_46" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_46" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_608" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_759" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_759" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_976" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_977" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_977" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueMeasurementCategoriesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueMeasurementCategoriesTableTextBlock_978" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_976" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueMeasurementCategoriesTableTextBlock_978" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_1225" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_1225" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_837" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_838" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_838" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpensesTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_867" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_868" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_867" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_868" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_158" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_159" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_159" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_160" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_159" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_160" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_161" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_160" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_161" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_162" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_159" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_162" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_163" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_162" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_163" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_159" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_166" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_166" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_167" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_167" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_168" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_168" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_169" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_169" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_170" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_170" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_171" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_171" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_172" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_172" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_173" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_173" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_86" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_930" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_930" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_931" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_931" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_932" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_932" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_933" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_933" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_935" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_933" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_935" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_934" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_934" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_100" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_100" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_102" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_102" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrecognizedCompensationCostNonvestedAwardsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrecognizedCompensationCostNonvestedAwardsTableTextBlock_103" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrecognizedCompensationCostNonvestedAwardsTableTextBlock_103" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_1426" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_1426" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_915" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1361" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_915" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_883" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_OverviewTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_883" xlink:to="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_885" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_885" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_888" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_885" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_888" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_887" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_887" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_891" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_891" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_890" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_890" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1366" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_890" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1366" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember_1367" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1366" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember_1367" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_OverviewLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewTable_884" xlink:to="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensesRevenue_1221" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensesRevenue_1221" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_DevelopmentMilestonePayments" xlink:label="loc_asmb_DevelopmentMilestonePayments_1222" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" xlink:to="loc_asmb_DevelopmentMilestonePayments_1222" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_CommercialMilestonePayments" xlink:label="loc_asmb_CommercialMilestonePayments_1223" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" xlink:to="loc_asmb_CommercialMilestonePayments_1223" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost_1364" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost_1364" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription_1401" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_OverviewLineItems_1365" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription_1401" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1079" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1079" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1094" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1094" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1095" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1095" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1096" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1096" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1098" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1098" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockMember_1104" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1098" xlink:to="loc_asmb_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockMember_1104" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_OptionsToPurchaseCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_OptionsToPurchaseCommonStockMember_1105" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1098" xlink:to="loc_asmb_OptionsToPurchaseCommonStockMember_1105" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1097" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1097" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1448" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1097" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1448" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_1449" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_1449" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1447" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1093" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1447" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_1110" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1447" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_1110" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_611" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_611" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_615" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_615" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_707" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_615" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_707" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_706" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_706" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_710" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_706" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_710" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_709" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_709" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_713" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_709" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_713" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_613" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_613" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_614" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_614" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_712" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_712" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_718" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_712" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_718" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_717" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_717" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_775" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_717" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_775" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_774" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_774" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1437" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_774" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1437" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_1438" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_1438" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1436" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1436" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_1421" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_1421" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_408" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_409" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_409" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_410" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_409" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_410" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_411" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_410" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_411" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_1334" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_1334" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_413" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_413" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_414" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_414" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_415" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_415" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_416" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_416" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_417" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_417" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_746" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_746" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_418" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_746" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_418" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_1064" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_746" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_1064" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_419" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_746" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_419" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_420" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_420" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_1207" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_1207" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax_1208" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_1207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax_1208" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_1209" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_1207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_1209" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_956" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_956" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_421" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_421" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_422" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_422" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_980" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_982" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_982" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_983" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_982" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_983" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_984" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_984" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_991" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_984" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_991" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_992" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_991" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_992" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_993" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_991" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_993" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAxis_990" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAxis_990" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain_995" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAxis_990" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain_995" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_996" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain_995" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_996" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_1422" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain_995" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_1422" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1423" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTypeDomain_995" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1423" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_987" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_987" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_1231" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_1231" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_1230" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_1230" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_989" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_989" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails1">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1000" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1001" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1000" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1001" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1002" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1002" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1003" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1002" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1003" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1004" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1004" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1008" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1004" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1008" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1009" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1009" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1010" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1010" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_1011" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_1011" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1007" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1007" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_1012" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1007" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_1012" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesDetails2">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1233" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1234" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1234" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1235" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1234" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1235" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1236" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1236" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1237" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1234" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1237" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1240" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1240" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_1241" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_1241" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1424" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1424" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1234" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_1238" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_1238" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_1242" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_1242" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_1245" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_1245" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_1246" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_1246" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1014" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1015" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_1014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1015" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1016" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1016" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1017" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1017" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1018" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1018" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1021" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1021" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_1022" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_1021" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_1022" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1020" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1020" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesMaturityTerm" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesMaturityTerm_1019" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1020" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesMaturityTerm_1019" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_840" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_841" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_840" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_841" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_842" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_842" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_842" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_846" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_846" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_847" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_847" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_848" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_848" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_1251" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_1251" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_843" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_843" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_853" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_843" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_853" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_855" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_853" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_855" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_854" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_853" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_854" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_845" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_845" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_849" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_849" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_850" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_850" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_851" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_851" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_857" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_858" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_858" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_860" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_860" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_861" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_861" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_859" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_859" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_862" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_862" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/AccruedExpensesDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_870" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AccruedExpensesTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesTable_871" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_870" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesTable_871" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_873" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesTable_871" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_873" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_874" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_873" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_874" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AccruedExpensesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesLineItems_872" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesTable_871" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesLineItems_872" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_AccruedExpensesLineItems_872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_876" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_876" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AccruedResearchAndDevelopmentExpensesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AccruedResearchAndDevelopmentExpensesCurrent_879" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AccruedResearchAndDevelopmentExpensesCurrent_879" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AccuredGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AccuredGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesCurrent_1252" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AccuredGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesCurrent_1252" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_881" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_881" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_185" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_186" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_186" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_187" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_186" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_187" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_188" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_187" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_188" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_189" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_189" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1142" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1142" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_1143" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1142" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_1143" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1141" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1141" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_191" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_191" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_193" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_193" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_897" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_897" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_194" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_194" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_195" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_195" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_196" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_196" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_198" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_198" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_200" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_200" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_898" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_898" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_201" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_201" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_202" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_202" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_203" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_203" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_205" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_205" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_207" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_207" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_899" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_899" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeitedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeitedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_208" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeitedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_208" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_209" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_209" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_210" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_210" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails1">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_212" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_213" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_212" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_213" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_214" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_214" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_215" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_215" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_216" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_215" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_216" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_217" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_215" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_217" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_213" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_219" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_219" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_220" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_220" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_221" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_221" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_222" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsMethodUsedLineItems_218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_222" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails2">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_224" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_225" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_224" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_225" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_226" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_225" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_226" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_227" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_226" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_227" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_225" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseCurrent_1130" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseCurrent_1130" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearTwo_230" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearTwo_230" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearThree_231" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearThree_231" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearFour_918" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseYearFour_918" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_Futurestockbasedcompensationexpenseyearfive" xlink:label="loc_asmb_Futurestockbasedcompensationexpenseyearfive_1049" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_Futurestockbasedcompensationexpenseyearfive_1049" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseTotal" xlink:label="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseTotal_232" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_228" xlink:to="loc_asmb_FutureStockBasedCompensationExpenseTotal_232" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails3">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_234" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_235" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_234" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_235" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_236" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_236" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_237" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_237" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_238" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_238" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_239" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_235" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_239" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract_240" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_239" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract_240" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_241" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract_240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_241" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_242" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract_240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_242" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_244" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstandingAbstract_240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_244" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_246" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_239" xlink:to="loc_asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_246" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_247" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_247" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_248" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_248" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_250" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_250" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails4">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityAbstract_920" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_921" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityAbstract_920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_921" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_922" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_922" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_924" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_924" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_926" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_924" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_926" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_925" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_924" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_925" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_923" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_923" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_928" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_923" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_928" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_267" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_267" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_269" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_269" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_270" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_269" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_270" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_271" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_271" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_271" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_275" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_275" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanMember_277" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanMember_277" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandFourteenMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandFourteenMember_278" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandFourteenMember_278" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandSeventeenMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandSeventeenMember_1402" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandSeventeenMember_1402" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1443" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1443" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_279" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_279" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_280" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_279" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_280" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_283" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_283" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_284" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_283" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_284" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_287" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_287" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_288" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_287" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_288" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_291" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_291" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_292" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_292" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_EmployeesMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_EmployeesMember_304" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_292" xlink:to="loc_asmb_EmployeesMember_304" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ChiefFinancialOfficerAndChiefOperatingOfficerMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ChiefFinancialOfficerAndChiefOperatingOfficerMember_1432" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_292" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ChiefFinancialOfficerAndChiefOperatingOfficerMember_1432" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_305" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_305" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_306" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_306" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_313" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_313" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_314" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_314" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_315" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_315" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis_319" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis_319" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain_320" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis_319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain_320" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_322" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_322" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_323" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_322" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_323" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_325" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_325" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_326" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_326" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_330" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_330" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_331" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_331" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_332" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_332" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_PlanAxis" xlink:label="loc_asmb_PlanAxis_334" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_asmb_PlanAxis_334" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_PlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_asmb_PlanDomain_739" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_PlanAxis_334" xlink:to="loc_asmb_PlanDomain_739" use="optional" order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_738" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_738" use="optional" order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_741" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_741" use="optional" order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_740" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_740" use="optional" order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1146" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1146" use="optional" order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1145" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1145" use="optional" order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1309" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1145" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1309" use="optional" order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1308" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1308" use="optional" order="43" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1313" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1313" use="optional" order="44" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_1315" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_1315" use="optional" order="45" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_1312" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_1312" use="optional" order="46" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1429" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeAxis_1312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1429" use="optional" order="47" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_NonqualifiedStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_NonqualifiedStockOptionMember_1430" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityTypeDomain_1429" xlink:to="loc_asmb_NonqualifiedStockOptionMember_1430" use="optional" order="48" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteTable_268" xlink:to="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" use="optional" order="49" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_346" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_346" use="optional" order="50" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_348" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_348" use="optional" order="51" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_350" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_350" use="optional" order="52" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_353" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_353" use="optional" order="53" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_693" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_693" use="optional" order="54" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_970" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_970" use="optional" order="55" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_1156" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_1156" use="optional" order="56" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_1257" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_1257" use="optional" order="57" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_1338" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_1338" use="optional" order="58" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_1339" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding_1339" use="optional" order="59" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_1431" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_1431" use="optional" order="60" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDescription_1433" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDescription_1433" use="optional" order="61" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonVestedInPeriodFairValue1" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonVestedInPeriodFairValue1_1434" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonVestedInPeriodFairValue1_1434" use="optional" order="62" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_1435" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_1435" use="optional" order="63" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_1444" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems_1428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_1444" use="optional" order="64" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_476" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_478" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_478" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_479" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_478" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_479" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_480" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_480" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_481" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_481" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_488" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_488" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_489" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_489" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_492" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_492" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_493" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_492" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_493" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_496" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_496" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_497" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_497" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_499" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_499" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_500" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_500" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_502" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_502" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_503" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_503" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_1065" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_1065" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_1400" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_1400" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_506" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_506" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_695" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_695" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_696" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_696" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_1335" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_1335" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_957" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_957" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_508" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_508" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_510" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_510" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities_1303" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities_1303" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_1304" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_1304" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_1305" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_509" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_1305" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_513" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_513" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AccruedOfferingCostRelatedToIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AccruedOfferingCostRelatedToIssuanceOfCommonStock_831" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_513" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AccruedOfferingCostRelatedToIssuanceOfCommonStock_831" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_515" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_515" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_516" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_516" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_517" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_517" use="optional" order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_518" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_518" use="optional" order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_519" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_519" use="optional" order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax_960" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax_960" use="optional" order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1124" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1124" use="optional" order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CollaborationAgreementAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1344" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_1345" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_1345" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1346" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_1345" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1346" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1355" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1346" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1355" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember_1356" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1355" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AllerganPharmaceuticalsInternationalLimitedMember_1356" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_1354" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_1345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_1354" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_1398" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_1354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_1398" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_1399" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_1398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_1399" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_1345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_1347" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicenseAndServicesRevenue_1347" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_DeferredRevenueamortizationPeriodOverServiceTenure" xlink:label="loc_asmb_DeferredRevenueamortizationPeriodOverServiceTenure_1348" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_asmb_DeferredRevenueamortizationPeriodOverServiceTenure_1348" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensesRevenue_1349" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensesRevenue_1349" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_1350" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_1350" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_1351" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_1351" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_DescriptionOfAgreeToShareDevelopmentCost" xlink:label="loc_asmb_DescriptionOfAgreeToShareDevelopmentCost_1353" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_asmb_DescriptionOfAgreeToShareDevelopmentCost_1353" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_ProceedsFromUpfrontPayment" xlink:label="loc_asmb_ProceedsFromUpfrontPayment_1357" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_asmb_ProceedsFromUpfrontPayment_1357" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost" xlink:label="loc_asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost_1358" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_asmb_AgreedToShareMaximumAmountDevelopmentCost_1358" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfReimbursableExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfReimbursableExpense_1392" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfReimbursableExpense_1392" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsDeterminationOfSellingPriceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsDeterminationOfSellingPriceAmount_1396" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsDeterminationOfSellingPriceAmount_1396" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_1418" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_1418" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription_1420" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodDescription_1420" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_1425" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_1397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_1425" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_424" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_424" xlink:to="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_426" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_426" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_427" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_426" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_427" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_428" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_428" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_429" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_429" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_438" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_438" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_439" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_439" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_440" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_439" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_440" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1053" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_439" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1053" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_443" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_443" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_444" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_443" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_444" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_446" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_446" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_447" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_446" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_447" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_450" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_450" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_782" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_782" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_781" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_781" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1060" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_781" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1060" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_1059" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_1059" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_1138" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_1059" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_1138" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_EquipmentLeaseMember" xlink:label="loc_asmb_EquipmentLeaseMember_1139" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_1138" xlink:to="loc_asmb_EquipmentLeaseMember_1139" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems_1137" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable_425" xlink:to="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems_1137" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_726" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems_1137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_726" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_1319" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems_1137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_1319" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="asmb-20180331.xsd#asmb_OperatingLeaseExpirationYear" xlink:label="loc_asmb_OperatingLeaseExpirationYear_1320" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_asmb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems_1137" xlink:to="loc_asmb_OperatingLeaseExpirationYear_1320" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_531" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_532" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_532" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_535" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_532" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_535" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_537" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_537" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_539" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_539" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_946" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_946" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_541" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_541" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_532" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_543" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_543" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_544" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_544" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_828" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_828" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_829" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_829" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_945" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_945" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_553" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_553" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_554" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_554" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_555" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_555" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_556" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_556" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
  </presentationLink>

  <presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.ventrusbio.com/role/NatureOfBusiness">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_558" />

    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_559" />

    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_558" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_559" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
</linkbase>

