RedHill Biopharma Ltd (NASDAQ:RDHL) has announced preliminary results of a new preclinical study for its COVID-19 treatment candidate, opaganib.
Data showed potent inhibition by opaganib of Delta variant replication while maintaining cell viability at relevant concentrations.
Today's data adds to the previously reported work that showed opaganib also inhibits Alpha, Beta, and Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Opaganib's global 475-patient Phase, 2/3 study in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, has completed its treatment and follow-up phase, and study top-line results are upcoming.
Furthermore, the Phase 2/3 study has passed four Data Safety Monitoring Board reviews, including a futility review, and extends the entire opaganib safety database to more than 460 patients.
Earlier this week, RedHill announced two US patents covering opaganib for Ebola virus disease, with patent protection until 2035, and RHB-104 for bacterial infections, with protection through 2029.
Said CEO Dror Ben-Asher, "We have achieved important progress across the board this quarter. Opaganib is one of the leading drug candidates in the race to develop an effective COVID-19 therapeutic pill. New data further supports opaganib's potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including the rapidly spreading Delta variant.
"The upcoming Phase 2/3 top-line data could tell us if we have a potential game-changing oral pill treatment for severe COVID-19, one that is aligned with the ideal product profile described by public health experts."
RDHL shares are up four cents at $7.22 mid-morning Thursday.
