RedHill Biopharma reports preliminary results from new preclinical study showing potent inhibition of COVID-19 variants by opaganib

RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:RDHL) has announced preliminary results from a new preclinical study showing potent inhibition of coronavirus (COVID-19) variants of concern by opaganib. Working with the University of Louisville Center for Predictive Medicine, opaganib was studied in a 3D tissue model of human bronchial epithelial cells (EpiAirway) to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the treatment in inhibiting the Beta (South African) and Gamma (Brazilian) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Preliminary results showed opaganib strongly inhibited both Beta and Gamma variants. Opaganib’s unique, orally-administered, host-targeted, dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory approach to combatting COVID-19 is also expected to maintain effect against other emerging variants, including the Delta (Indian) variant. This expectation is due to the way opaganib exerts its antiviral effect, selectively inhibiting sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) - a key enzyme produced in human cells that can be recruited by the virus to support its replication. READ: RedHill Biopharma presents positive Phase 2 data for oral opaganib in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at World Microbe Forum "The results we have seen with opaganib so far are exciting," said Dr William Severson, director of Shared Resources for the Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville. "They provide further evidence in support of opaganib's antiviral capabilities and highlight opaganib's potential as an orally-administered treatment for COVID-19 and its continuously emerging variants," he added. Dr Reza Fathi, RedHill's senior VP, R&D commented: "Opaganib inhibits an enzyme in the COVID-19 patients' cells called sphingosine kinase-2, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus can recruit in order to replicate." "Opaganib's dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory mechanism of action is independent of mutations in the spike protein. This means we expect opaganib to similarly work against other emerging COVID-19 variants, including the Delta (Indian) variant. Moreover, we are looking forward to seeing the top-line clinical data from the global Phase 2/3 study which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks," he added. Following recently presented positive US Phase 2 study data, opaganib's global 475-patient Phase 2/3 study in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is fully enrolled and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, the company said. Opaganib has also received Orphan Drug designation from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma and is being evaluated in a Phase 2a study in advanced cholangiocarcinoma and in a Phase 2 study in prostate cancer. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com Disclaimer: This content has been provided pursuant to an agreement under which RedHill Biopharma pays an annual fee to the publisher. (https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/pages/terms)