RedHill Biopharma Seeks WHO Ebola Trials After 70.2% COVID-19 Mortality Reduction
RDHL•RedHill Biopharma is negotiating WHO SOLIDARITY CORE collaboration to test oral opaganib against the Bundibugyo Ebola subtype with supply readiness data provided. Opaganib’s Phase 3 severe COVID-19 trial showed a 70.2% mortality reduction (6.98% vs. 23.4%) and four-day faster viral clearance in 470 patients.
1. Phase 3 COVID-19 Results Drive Ebola Plans
RedHill's opaganib achieved a 70.2% mortality reduction (6.98% vs. 23.4%) in a 470-patient Phase 3 severe COVID-19 trial and shortened viral clearance by four days, underpinning efforts to repurpose it for the Bundibugyo Ebola subtype.
2. Preclinical EVD Activity and Mechanism
USAMRIID-funded studies show opaganib inhibits Ebola virus in human macrophages, increases survival in animal models and synergizes with remdesivir; its SPHK2 inhibition also disrupts PI3K/Akt entry pathways and suppresses inflammasome-mediated vascular leak.
3. Collaboration Talks and Supply Readiness
RedHill is in active discussions with the WHO SOLIDARITY CORE platform and pharma partners for clinical advancement, providing safety, efficacy and supply readiness data to support rapid trial inclusion against the growing outbreak.
4. Oral Delivery and Biodefense Potential
Opaganib’s oral administration, ease of storage and minimal drug-drug interaction profile support stockpiling and field deployment, enhancing global infectious disease preparedness and response logistics during Ebola outbreaks.
