RedHill Biopharma Advances Opaganib Collaborations for EVD
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
RedHill Biopharma is actively discussing potential collaborations for advancement of its investigational oral drug, opaganib, to combat Ebola virus disease or EVD, which can be fatal in approximately half of all cases, including the WHO's SOLIDARITY CORE clinical trial platform and pharma collaborations. Opaganib is an orally administered, host-directed, small molecule SPHK2 inhibitor with demonstrated antiviral properties in advanced clinical stage. Peer-reviewed published data shows opaganib's host-direction action stems from its ability to inhibit replication of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. In EVD specifically, opaganib offers a potential dual mechanism of action; blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway critical for filovirus entry and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing IL-6/TNFalpha and S1P-mediated vascular permeability. The company has provided information to relevant government, industry and other organizations, regarding supply readiness and all available clinical and preclinical safety and efficacy data to aid rapid clinical and regulatory discussions. Opaganib is in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications. Opaganib is an investigational new drug. It has not been approved by any regulatory authority and is not available for commercial distribution. Inclusion in the WHO CORE platform cannot be guaranteed.
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Analyst Views on RDHL
About RDHL
RedHill Biopharma Ltd is an Israel-based specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. RedHill promotes the gastrointestinal drugs such as, Talicia for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and Aemcolo, for the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea. RedHill’s clinical late-stage development programs include: :info: RHB-204, for pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease; opaganib (ABC294640), host-directed, SPHK2 inhibitor targeting multiple indications, RHB-107 (upamostat), an oral, host-directed serine protease inhibitor with potential for pandemic preparedness, is in late-stage development for treatment of non-hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19, and is targeting multiple other cancer and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases; RHB-104 for Crohn's disease; and RHB-102 for chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
RedHill Biopharma Receives FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for Opaganib
- FDA Designation Progress: RedHill Biopharma's opaganib has received FDA's rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma treatment, which provides a Priority Review Voucher subject to certain conditions, indicating the company's potential in pediatric oncology.
- Orphan Drug Status: Opaganib has also received Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for neuroblastoma and cholangiocarcinoma, enhancing its market appeal and potentially accelerating clinical development, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in oncology.
- Clinical Research Readiness: The company is prepared to submit the Phase 1 chemoradiotherapy study protocol for opaganib to the FDA-IND, demonstrating a proactive approach in advancing clinical trials, which may pave the way for future drug approval.
- Stock Price Volatility: In pre-market trading on NasdaqCM, RedHill's shares fell by 21.57% to $0.80, reflecting a negative market reaction to the news, which could impact the company's financing and future development plans.
See More
FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Opaganib for Neuroblastoma Treatment
- Rare Pediatric Disease Designation: The FDA has granted Opaganib a rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma treatment, providing a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that facilitates accelerated drug development and review processes, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Significant Market Potential: The neuroblastoma market is projected to reach approximately $3.5 billion by 2032, and Opaganib, as a novel small molecule drug, is poised to capture a significant share in this rapidly growing market if approved.
- Clinical Data Support: Positive effects of Opaganib as a potential add-on therapy were presented at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, indicating its potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer.
- Strategic Partnerships: Ongoing discussions between RedHill Biopharma and Penn State University, along with the Beat Childhood Cancer consortium, aim to further advance the development of Opaganib, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to enhancing pediatric cancer treatment.
See More
FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Opaganib for Neuroblastoma
- Rare Disease Designation: The FDA has granted Opaganib a rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma, which provides a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that can accelerate drug development and review processes, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Significant Market Potential: The neuroblastoma market is projected to reach approximately $3.5 billion by 2032, and Opaganib, as a novel small molecule drug, is expected to capture a significant share if approved in this rapidly growing market.
- Clinical Data Support: Positive effects of Opaganib as a potential add-on therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma models were presented at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, indicating its potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
- Strategic Collaboration Outlook: RedHill aims to advance Opaganib's development through ongoing discussions with Penn State University and the Beat Childhood Cancer consortium, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment and strategic positioning in pediatric cancer treatment.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Initiates Enforcement Proceedings in Korea
- Court Judgment Enforcement: RedHill Biopharma has initiated enforcement proceedings in Korea against Kukbo Co. Ltd., concerning a $10.9 million judgment from the New York Supreme Court, marking a significant step in the company's international legal efforts and potentially laying the groundwork for future asset recovery.
- Legal Fees Confirmation: The New York court's ruling includes approximately $8.9 million in principal and $1.95 million in legal fees, both of which are now final, demonstrating RedHill's legal victory and enhancing its financial stability.
- Asset Protection Measures: RedHill has secured a court attachment in Korea against Kukbo to prevent asset disposal prior to judgment enforcement, a strategic move that helps ensure the potential recovery of awarded damages.
- Awaiting Further Developments: The company is currently awaiting Kukbo's response in the Korean proceedings and further scheduling by the court, and while there are no guarantees regarding the timing or amount of recovery, this process reflects RedHill's commitment to protecting its interests.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Advances Opaganib for EVD Treatment
- Clinical Collaboration Discussions: RedHill Biopharma is actively engaging with organizations like the WHO to discuss clinical collaborations for its investigational drug opaganib, aimed at addressing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with a fatality rate of up to 50%, which will enhance global public health preparedness.
- Innovative Drug Mechanism: Opaganib, as an SPHK2 inhibitor, can simultaneously inhibit three enzymes, altering cellular lipid balance to block the replication of both Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, showcasing its potential in combating global infectious disease threats.
- Safety Data Support: Opaganib has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in over 470 participants across multiple clinical studies, providing a solid foundation for rapid clinical exploration and potentially accelerating its application in EVD control programs.
- Global Public Health Strategy: RedHill's initiatives not only aim to tackle the current EVD outbreak but also seek to enhance biodefense infrastructure, thereby improving global responses to infectious diseases, which holds significant strategic importance.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Advances Opaganib for EVD Treatment
- Clinical Trial Collaboration: RedHill Biopharma is actively discussing collaborations with the WHO to advance its oral drug opaganib for clinical use against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which has a fatality rate of approximately 50%.
- Efficacy Data Support: In a Phase 3 clinical trial for severe COVID-19, opaganib demonstrated a 70.2% reduction in mortality when added to standard care, with a median time to viral RNA clearance improved by 4 days in treated patients, indicating its potential antiviral efficacy.
- Dual Mechanism Action: Opaganib may target both EVD and other viruses by inhibiting SPHK2 and the PI3K/Akt pathway, offering a novel therapeutic strategy that enhances global infectious disease preparedness.
- Supply Readiness and Safety: RedHill has provided supply readiness and safety data for opaganib to relevant organizations, facilitating rapid clinical exploration to address the growing global public health threat.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Receives FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for Opaganib
- FDA Designation Progress: RedHill Biopharma's opaganib has received FDA's rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma treatment, which provides a Priority Review Voucher subject to certain conditions, indicating the company's potential in pediatric oncology.
- Orphan Drug Status: Opaganib has also received Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for neuroblastoma and cholangiocarcinoma, enhancing its market appeal and potentially accelerating clinical development, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in oncology.
- Clinical Research Readiness: The company is prepared to submit the Phase 1 chemoradiotherapy study protocol for opaganib to the FDA-IND, demonstrating a proactive approach in advancing clinical trials, which may pave the way for future drug approval.
- Stock Price Volatility: In pre-market trading on NasdaqCM, RedHill's shares fell by 21.57% to $0.80, reflecting a negative market reaction to the news, which could impact the company's financing and future development plans.
See More
FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Opaganib for Neuroblastoma Treatment
- Rare Pediatric Disease Designation: The FDA has granted Opaganib a rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma treatment, providing a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that facilitates accelerated drug development and review processes, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Significant Market Potential: The neuroblastoma market is projected to reach approximately $3.5 billion by 2032, and Opaganib, as a novel small molecule drug, is poised to capture a significant share in this rapidly growing market if approved.
- Clinical Data Support: Positive effects of Opaganib as a potential add-on therapy were presented at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, indicating its potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer.
- Strategic Partnerships: Ongoing discussions between RedHill Biopharma and Penn State University, along with the Beat Childhood Cancer consortium, aim to further advance the development of Opaganib, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to enhancing pediatric cancer treatment.
See More
FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Opaganib for Neuroblastoma
- Rare Disease Designation: The FDA has granted Opaganib a rare pediatric disease designation for neuroblastoma, which provides a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that can accelerate drug development and review processes, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Significant Market Potential: The neuroblastoma market is projected to reach approximately $3.5 billion by 2032, and Opaganib, as a novel small molecule drug, is expected to capture a significant share if approved in this rapidly growing market.
- Clinical Data Support: Positive effects of Opaganib as a potential add-on therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma models were presented at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, indicating its potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
- Strategic Collaboration Outlook: RedHill aims to advance Opaganib's development through ongoing discussions with Penn State University and the Beat Childhood Cancer consortium, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment and strategic positioning in pediatric cancer treatment.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Initiates Enforcement Proceedings in Korea
- Court Judgment Enforcement: RedHill Biopharma has initiated enforcement proceedings in Korea against Kukbo Co. Ltd., concerning a $10.9 million judgment from the New York Supreme Court, marking a significant step in the company's international legal efforts and potentially laying the groundwork for future asset recovery.
- Legal Fees Confirmation: The New York court's ruling includes approximately $8.9 million in principal and $1.95 million in legal fees, both of which are now final, demonstrating RedHill's legal victory and enhancing its financial stability.
- Asset Protection Measures: RedHill has secured a court attachment in Korea against Kukbo to prevent asset disposal prior to judgment enforcement, a strategic move that helps ensure the potential recovery of awarded damages.
- Awaiting Further Developments: The company is currently awaiting Kukbo's response in the Korean proceedings and further scheduling by the court, and while there are no guarantees regarding the timing or amount of recovery, this process reflects RedHill's commitment to protecting its interests.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Advances Opaganib for EVD Treatment
- Clinical Collaboration Discussions: RedHill Biopharma is actively engaging with organizations like the WHO to discuss clinical collaborations for its investigational drug opaganib, aimed at addressing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with a fatality rate of up to 50%, which will enhance global public health preparedness.
- Innovative Drug Mechanism: Opaganib, as an SPHK2 inhibitor, can simultaneously inhibit three enzymes, altering cellular lipid balance to block the replication of both Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, showcasing its potential in combating global infectious disease threats.
- Safety Data Support: Opaganib has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in over 470 participants across multiple clinical studies, providing a solid foundation for rapid clinical exploration and potentially accelerating its application in EVD control programs.
- Global Public Health Strategy: RedHill's initiatives not only aim to tackle the current EVD outbreak but also seek to enhance biodefense infrastructure, thereby improving global responses to infectious diseases, which holds significant strategic importance.
See More
RedHill Biopharma Advances Opaganib for EVD Treatment
- Clinical Trial Collaboration: RedHill Biopharma is actively discussing collaborations with the WHO to advance its oral drug opaganib for clinical use against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which has a fatality rate of approximately 50%.
- Efficacy Data Support: In a Phase 3 clinical trial for severe COVID-19, opaganib demonstrated a 70.2% reduction in mortality when added to standard care, with a median time to viral RNA clearance improved by 4 days in treated patients, indicating its potential antiviral efficacy.
- Dual Mechanism Action: Opaganib may target both EVD and other viruses by inhibiting SPHK2 and the PI3K/Akt pathway, offering a novel therapeutic strategy that enhances global infectious disease preparedness.
- Supply Readiness and Safety: RedHill has provided supply readiness and safety data for opaganib to relevant organizations, facilitating rapid clinical exploration to address the growing global public health threat.
See More
