RedHill Biopharma Receives BARDA Funding to Advance Opaganib as Potential Ebola Treatment

RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDHL) has received funding from the U.S. government's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance the development of opaganib as a potential treatment for Ebola virus disease (EBOV). This novel, host-directed therapy has shown promise in initial studies and could offer a new approach to combating Ebola outbreaks.

Opaganib, an orally-administered drug, has demonstrated antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It has already shown positive progress on the Animal Rule pathway towards potential FDA approval for EBOV treatment. This pathway allows for the use of animal model efficacy studies when human clinical trials are not ethical or feasible.

The development of opaganib for EBOV treatment is significant due to the limited options currently available. Only two FDA-approved treatments exist for EBOV, both of which require intravenous administration. Opaganib's oral administration could provide a more accessible treatment option, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

RedHill Biopharma's Chief Business Officer, Guy Goldberg, emphasized the need for new host-directed, small-molecule therapies to address the challenges of managing Ebola outbreaks. Such treatments could potentially overcome issues related to viral mutations, storage, transportation, and administration in remote areas.

The global market for Ebola drugs and vaccines is projected to reach $223.7 million by 2027, highlighting the growing demand for effective treatments. Opaganib's potential effectiveness against multiple strains of ebolavirus and its ease of use could position it as a valuable asset in combating future outbreaks.

Beyond Ebola, opaganib has shown promise in treating other conditions, including COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and various inflammatory and viral diseases. This versatility underscores the potential broader impact of BARDA's investment in opaganib's development.

As Ebola continues to pose a significant threat to global health, the advancement of opaganib represents a crucial step in expanding the arsenal of treatments available to combat this deadly disease. The collaboration between RedHill Biopharma and BARDA exemplifies the ongoing efforts to enhance global preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks.