RedHill Biopharma's Positive Opaganib Results Indicate Reduction in Venetoclax Resistant Cells

Core Insights - Resistance to venetoclax, a $2.5 billion therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), is becoming a significant therapeutic challenge as leukemic cells persist despite combination therapies [1][3] - New in vivo studies indicate that the addition of opaganib, a potent sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) inhibitor, to venetoclax can reduce CLL cell counts by 50% compared to controls, suggesting its potential as an add-on therapy for venetoclax-resistant CLL [1][2] - Opaganib has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in over 470 clinical trials and is being evaluated for multiple indications, including oncology and viral infections [1][9] Company Overview - RedHill Biopharma Ltd. is a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of drugs for gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases, and oncology [12] - The company promotes the FDA-approved drug Talicia for treating Helicobacter pylori infections and is advancing several late-stage clinical programs, including opaganib [12][13] - Opaganib is currently undergoing a Phase 2 clinical trial in combination with darolutamide for advanced prostate cancer, highlighting its broad therapeutic potential [1][7] Product Insights - Venetoclax, approved by the FDA in 2016, is a first-in-class BCL-2 inhibitor that has become a cornerstone of CLL therapy, achieving sales of approximately $2.5 billion in 2024 [3] - Opaganib is a first-in-class, orally administered drug with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities, targeting multiple indications including various cancers and viral diseases [6][10] - The drug has received orphan-drug designations from the FDA for cholangiocarcinoma and neuroblastoma, indicating its potential in treating rare diseases [7]