RedHill Touts Potential of Its Investigational Cancer Drug Against Omicron Subvariants
Israel-based RedHill Biopharma said that its dual-action investigational COVID-19 oral antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug opaganib has shown potential efficacy against the Omicron subvariants BA.2 and XE, but also against other emerging variants.
Citing in vitro research as well as results from a phase 2/3 study, the company said the sphingosine kinase-2 inhibitor showed “potent” efficacy against the Omicron COVID-19 variant. In the clinical trial, of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, the drug reduced mortality by 70 percent, the company said.
The FDA previously granted opaganib an Orphan Drug designation as a potential treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. But the company said it is now working with regulators in the U.S., Europe and the UK to find ways to gain approval for the treatment of COVID-19.
April 13, 2022
