midastouch017
3 days ago
New Peer-Reviewed Publication of Opaganib Phase 2/3 Data Shows 62% Reduction in COVID-19 Mortality
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/peer-reviewed-publication-opaganib-phase-110000409.html
Data, from a post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2/3 study of oral opaganib in COVID-19 pneumonia, showing a 62% reduction in mortality and a 21% improvement in time to room air (no longer needing supplemental oxygen), has been newly published in the peer-reviewed journal, Microorganisms
The analysis, from a large sub-group of 251 hospitalized, moderately severe COVID-19 patients requiring a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) up to and including 60%, also indicates that FiO2 of greater than 60% may represent a threshold level for disease severity, and may potentially be a patient selection biomarker, an important finding for future therapeutic strategies and studies
With 30,000 Americans dead due to COVID-19 so far this year according to the World health Organization[1], new, effective and safe therapies are still very much needed
With multiple U.S. government collaborations ongoing, opaganib is a novel, host-directed, potentially broad acting, orally administered small molecule drug with demonstrated safety & efficacy profiles in oncology indications, viral infection, nuclear/radioprotection and other inflammatory diseases
TEL AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced the publication of data, in the journal Microorganisms[2], from the 57-site, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2/3 study of opaganib[3] in COVID-19 pneumonia (NCT04467840).
The post hoc analysis of data from 251 study participants showed that hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) up to and including 60% (FiO2≤60%) had better outcomes after 14 days' opaganib treatment (n=117) compared to placebo (n=134). There was a clinically meaningful 62% reduction in mortality (5.98% vs. 16.7%; p-value=0.019 (post-hoc)) by day 42. Additionally, the proportion of patients with FiO2≤60% at baseline that no longer required supplemental oxygen (≥24 hours) by day 14 of opaganib treatment increased by 21% (76.9% opaganib vs. 63.4% placebo: p-value =0.033 (post hoc)). The safety profile for opaganib was similar to placebo.
The data also indicated that FiO2 of greater than 60% may represent a threshold level for disease severity which could be utilized as a biomarker, an important finding for future therapeutic strategies.
"The all-consuming COVID-19 state-of emergency may have subsided, but the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not – patients are still contracting COVID-19. 30,000 Americans have died due to COVID-19 so far this year, and many patients are still hospitalized because of it. This remains a patient population for whom there are still very limited treatment options and there remains a substantial need for effective and safe new therapies," said Dr. Mark Levitt, Chief Scientific Officer at RedHill. "These published post-hoc study data suggest a distinct treatment benefit in hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring an FiO2 of ≤60%. This, supported by additional data such as lower inflammatory markers and higher lymphocyte counts, and added to a favorable safety profile, point to the potential of opaganib to be an effective new oral therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, warranting further investigation. Of significant additional interest is the insight that baseline FiO2 requirement may be a new clinical biomarker for patient selection and potentially have a major impact on how hospitalized COVID-19 patients are managed in the future."
midastouch017
1 week ago
RedHill Biopharma Announces First Half 2024 Business Highlights
Numerous potential catalysts
Strengthened cash balance and control over our destiny following the Termination Agreement with Movantik Acquisition Co. and others: Executing on our plan to ensure a value-driven focus, operational efficiency and financial streamlining with a low cost-base
U.S. government collaborations: Developing a promising, advancing and largely financially de-risked pipeline via U.S. government and other collaborations
Addressing substantial and underserved indications: In oncology viral pandemic preparedness, nuclear/radioprotection, and obesity/diabetes
Building value: In the lab and in the clinic through new studies, generating new intellectual property and publications and forging the right partnerships for our assets
Streamlined U.S. commercial organization: Cost reduction measures resulted in a much smaller, more efficient and cost-effective organization while still maintaining a leadership position with Talicia®
R&D and Commercial Highlights:
Opaganib:
- U.S. Army program for Ebola (believed to be the first host-directed molecule to show activity in vivo in Ebola virus disease)
- Orphan drug designation granted by FDA for neuroblastoma
- Discussions ongoing for a potential externally-funded, mid-stage clinical study in an additional underserved oncology indication
- U.S. government-funded programs ongoing with the NIH / BARDA-funded nuclear and chemical medical countermeasure programs for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and Sulfur Mustard exposure
- Positive in vivo study results support potential of opaganib therapy in diabetes / obesity
RHB-107:
- COVID-19: Enrollment ongoing in the U.S Department of Defense-supported 300-patient Phase 2 ACESO PROTECT platform trial for early COVID-19 outpatient treatment; enrollment estimated to be completed in the first half of 2025
- U.S. Army-funded Ebola development program ongoing; RHB-107 also demonstrated robust synergistic effect in vitro when combined with remdesivir
RHB-104: Newly published positive Phase 3 data demonstrated 64% increased efficacy with RHB-104 in Crohn's disease
Talicia: The leading prescribed branded H. pylori therapy in the U.S., maintaining leadership position with a streamlined commercial team:
- Expected upcoming new H. pylori treatment guidelines may further enhance positioning and use
- Potential manufacturing developments aiming to open additional new markets underway
- Commercially launched in the UAE, triggering RedHill's eligibility for potential milestone and royalty payments; Additional ex-US partnerships under discussions
Financial highlights:
Cash balance of $8.2 million as of June 30, 2024[1]; Net revenues for the first half of 2024 totaled $2.6 million. Talicia contributed $3.5 million, down from the first half of 2023 due to a 12% reduction in U.S. prescriptions, driven by employee terminations and other cost-cutting measures. Movantik recorded negative revenues of $0.9 million, primarily due to product returns. Excluding one-time items in the first half of 2023 related to the Movantik® divestiture, the operating loss and net loss improved by $9.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively, as these cost-cutting measures significantly reduced overall expenses
Post-balance sheet date, RedHill signed a Global Termination Agreement with Movantik Acquisition Co. and others (the "Agreement"). The Agreement resulted in RedHill receiving $9.9 million in cash and gaining full control over $0.74 million in a restricted account, while assuming $12.2 million in liabilities, leading to a net balance sheet reduction of approximately $2.3 million. The Agreement ended all existing credit ties and removed the lien against Talicia
TEL AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today reported its first half 2024 financial results and operational highlights, for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
"The first six months of this year have realized significant accomplishments, laying the groundwork for numerous potential upcoming catalysts. RedHill is now in possession of a promising, advancing and largely financially de-risked development pipeline designed to address substantial and underserved indications in oncology, viral pandemic preparedness, nuclear/radioprotection and diabetes and obesity-related disorders," said Dror Ben-Asher, RedHill's Chief Executive Officer. "There is no doubt that the last four years have been a challenge, primarily as a result of the pandemic's negative impact on our commercial launches in the United States in the first half of 2020. However, we have been turning the ship around and I am immensely proud of our team that works tirelessly to create opportunities, deliver on plans and create value in the lab and in the clinic through new studies, generating additional patents and publications, identifying important new indications and forging the right partnerships for our assets, while maintaining a market leadership position with Talicia. We are executing on our plans to ensure a clear value-driven focus, operational efficiency and financial streamlining with a low cost-base, as well as a strengthened cash balance and solid control over all elements of our business."
Financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)[2]
Net Revenues for the first half of 2024 were $2.6 million, compared to $5.4 million for the first half of 2023. Talicia net revenues were $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, mainly due to a 26% decrease in gross revenues and a 9% increase in Gross-to-Net deductions, mainly from increased Medicaid rebates. In the first half of 2024, $0.5 million of net revenues came from sales in the UAE. Talicia scripts in the U.S. in the first half of 2024 were down by approximately 12%, compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to reduced promotion and marketing following employee terminations and other cost-cutting measures in the United States. These measures had a significant positive impact on reducing expenses, as detailed below.
Movantik had negative net revenues of $0.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared to negative net revenues of $0.1 million in the first half of 2023, mainly due to returns related to sales in the second and third quarters of 2020.
Gross Profit for the first half of 2024 was $1.2 million, compared to $3 million for the first half of 2023, in line with the decrease in Net Revenues as explained above and primarily attributable to the reduction in Talicia prescriptions following employee terminations and other cost-cutting measures.
Research and Development Expenses for the first half of 2024 were $0.7 million, as compared to $2.3 million for the first half of 2023. The decrease is mainly attributable to the costs from closing the RHB-204 clinical trial, which were recognized in the first half of 2023, and to ongoing cost-reduction measures.
Selling, Marketing, and General and Administrative Expenses for the first half of 2024 were $9 million, compared to $19 million for the first half of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to downsizing the U.S. workforce following the Movantik divestiture, leading to lower payroll and related expenses, and reduced sales force expenses.
Other Income – There was no other income for the first half of 2024, as compared to $43 million of other income for the first half of 2023. The other income recognized in the first half of 2023 was comprised of (i) $35.5 million from the divestiture of Movantik and (ii) $7.5 million from transitional services fees provided to the buyer of Movantik.
Operating Loss for the first half of 2024 was $8.4 million, compared to operating income of $24.7 million for the first half of 2023. The difference is primarily attributable to the changes resulting from the divestiture of Movantik the previous year, as detailed above. Excluding the other income from the Movantik transaction in 2023, the operating loss decreased by approximately $9.9 million, from an operating loss of $18.3 million for the first half of 2023, reflecting the positive operating impact of the cost-cutting measures.
Financial Income, net for the first half of 2024 was $5.4 million, compared to $26.3 million for the first half of 2023. In the first half of 2024, the income recognized was mainly attributable to warrants' revaluation, offset by offerings' expenses. In the first half of 2023, the income recognized was primarily attributable to a $20.6 million gain resulting from the extinguishment of the HCR Collateral Management LLC debt in exchange for the transfer of rights to Movantik.
Net Loss was $3.1 million for the first half of 2024, compared to net income of $51 million for the first half of 2023. This change was primarily attributable to the effects resulting from the sale of Movantik and ongoing cost-reduction measures, as detailed above. Excluding the other income and financial income from the Movantik transaction in 2023, the net loss decreased by approximately $9.5 million, from a net loss of $12.6 million for the first half of 2023, reflecting the positive net impact of the cost-cutting measures.
Total Assets as of June 30, 2024 were $22 million, as compared to $23 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in the inventory balance due to sales, as well as a reduction in right-of-use assets, due to termination of car leases in the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Total Liabilities as of June 30, 2024 were $22 million, as compared to $21 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher allowance from deductions from revenues and increased warrant-related derivative liabilities, partially offset by lower accounts payable, accrued expenses and lease liabilities (due to the car leases' termination).
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $6.2 million, compared to $17.8 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in cash used was primarily due to settling pre-closing liabilities associated with Movantik and other operational activities in the six months ended June 30, 2023. Furthermore, this reduction is attributable to the cost-cutting measures mentioned above.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $7.9 million, comprised primarily of the net proceeds from securities offerings in the six months ended June 30, 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities was $4.8 million, comprised primarily of the net proceeds from securities offerings in the six months ended June 30, 2023, and the decrease in restricted cash, partially offset by the repayment of payables related to the purchase of intangible assets.
Cash Balance as of June 30, 2024 was $8.2 million1.
R&D and Commercial Highlights:
R&D:
RedHill's pipeline is centered around opaganib[3] & RHB-107[4], two promising, potentially broad utility, novel, oral, host-directed small molecule drugs with demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles. Both candidates are advancing in predominantly U.S. government-supported, externally-funded programs, directed at multiple underserved indications with sizeable multi-billion-dollar market opportunities and potentially advantageous pathways to approval.
Between them, they are in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications, including COVID-19, Ebola, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and radio/chemical protection (Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and Sulfur Mustard exposure).
Being (i) easy to administer and distribute and (ii) viral mutation-resistant, they are ideally suited for stockpiling strategies in the event of nuclear/chemical incidents and viral pandemic scenarios.
Opaganib:
U.S. Army program for Ebola. Opaganib is believed to be the first host-directed molecule to show activity in vivo in Ebola virus disease, delivering a statistically significant increase in survival and, separately, demonstrating a robust synergistic effect in vitro when combined with remdesivir (Veklury®; Gilead Sciences, Inc.), improving viral inhibition while maintaining cell viability
Orphan drug designation granted by FDA for neuroblastoma (opaganib has several such designations in multiple indications, with three in oncology)
Discussions ongoing for a potential externally-funded, late-stage study in an additional underserved oncology indication
Positive in vivo study results support potential of opaganib therapy in diabetes / obesity-related disorders – a market projected to be worth approximately $100 billion within the next decade
U.S. government-funded programs ongoing with the NIH / BARDA-funded nuclear and chemical medical countermeasure programs for ARS and Sulfur Mustard exposure
Late-stage COVID-19 program continues to address a multi-hundreds of millions of dollars market
New opaganib publications:
- The Sphingolipid-Modulating Drug Opaganib Protects against Radiation-Induced Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis: Potential Uses as a Medical Countermeasure and in Cancer Radiotherapy. Publication showed that opaganib significantly improved long-term survival in an in vivo model of lung damage following exposure to ionizing radiation[5]
- Effect of Opaganib on Supplemental Oxygen and Mortality in Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Based Upon FiO2 Requirements. Publication showed that oral opaganib reduced mortality by 62% and delivered improved time to room air, and faster time to hospital discharge in a large group of 251 hospitalized, moderately severe COVID-19 patients requiring a Fraction of inspired Oxygen up to and including 60% (FiO2=60%). The paper also indicates that due to the lack of treatment effect in patients requiring FiO2>60%, this may represent a threshold level for disease irreversibility (likely due to more severe COVID-19 lung disease) and be an important patient selection clinical biomarker, a key finding for future therapeutic strategies and studies[6]
New Chinese patents granted for opaganib:
- In combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a method of inducing an anti-cancer immune response. Provides protection for opaganib's potential use in combination with a range of approved and in-development ICIs across a growing range of indications through 2040
- As a therapy for inhibition of single-stranded RNA virus replication (notably Ebola Disease Virus); valid through 2035
RHB-107 (upamostat):
COVID-19: Enrollment ongoing in the U.S Department of Defense-supported 300-patient Phase 2 ACESO PROTECT platform trial for early COVID-19 outpatient treatment. Enrollment is estimated to be completed in the first half of 2025
U.S. Army-funded Ebola development program ongoing; RHB-107 also demonstrated a robust synergistic effect in vitro when combined with remdesivir. Management of potential Ebola virus pandemic outbreaks represents a significant opportunity and is a key concern for global health agencies
RHB-104[7]: Newly published positive Phase 3 data demonstrated 64% increased efficacy with RHB-104 in Crohn's disease
Commercial:
Talicia: The leading prescribed branded H. pylori therapy in the U.S., maintaining leadership position with a streamlined commercial team:
Expected upcoming new H. pylori treatment guidelines may further enhance positioning and use
Potential manufacturing developments aiming to open additional new markets underway
Now commercially launched in the UAE, triggering RedHill's eligibility for potential milestone and royalty payments
Two new U.S. patent grants covering Talicia as:
- A method for eradicating H. pylori regardless of BMI, valid until May 2042
- Use as an all-in-one treatment of H. pylori infection, valid until 2034
midastouch017
2 weeks ago
RedHill's Opaganib Granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for Childhood Cancer, Neuroblastoma
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/redhills-opaganib-granted-orphan-drug-110000986.html
Neuroblastoma is rare but is the most common infancy malignancy with a median age of diagnosis of 17 months. In the U.S., it accounts for up to around 10% of all childhood cancer cases and 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths[1],[2]
Orphan Drug designation provides for seven-years' marketing exclusivity should opaganib be approved in neuroblastoma and may confer additional benefits such as accelerated development and review times, potential grant funding and possible tax credits
The neuroblastoma market is expected to reach almost $1.5 billion before mid-2030s[3]
This is the second orphan drug designation by the FDA for opaganib in oncology, after cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer, CCA)
With multiple U.S. government collaborations ongoing, opaganib is a novel, host-directed, potentially broad acting, orally administered small molecule drug with demonstrated safety & efficacy profiles
TEL AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan-drug designation to opaganib for treatment of neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer-related deaths.
Orphan Drug designation provides for a seven-year marketing exclusivity period should opaganib be approved in neuroblastoma and may confer additional benefits such as accelerated development and review times, potential grant funding and possible tax credits.
"RedHill is proud to have received a second orphan-drug designation for opaganib in oncology, following its previous designation for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA, also known as bile duct cancer). This designation for neuroblastoma – the most common infancy malignancy and for which new options are urgently needed – adds to opaganib's potential as a novel oncological agent," said Dr. Mark Levitt, Chief Scientific Officer at RedHill. "Opaganib has broad oncology potential with promising preliminary clinical data in solid tumor cancers such as prostate cancer and CCA, and data from a range of U.S. government supported and Apogee conducted preclinical studies in various indications, including radioprotection, and also in combination with RedHill's RHB-107. We also see such utility extending to the potential for opaganib to have a sensitizing effect in hormone receptor pathway inhibition therapy, which the Company expects to test in a planned externally funded Phase 2 study."
Neuroblastoma usually affects children aged five or younger but does also occur in older children. In the United States, approximately 650 new cases are diagnosed each year, accounting for around 10% of all childhood cancer cases. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes targeted therapy or immunotherapy. New options are urgently needed.
The neuroblastoma market is expected to reach almost $1.5 billion before the middle of the next decade.
Opaganib is in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications, including COVID-19, Ebola, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and radio/chemical protection.
About Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer most commonly affecting babies and young children. It is rare but is the most common infancy malignancy with a median age of diagnosis of 17 months. In the U.S. it accounts for up to around 10% of all childhood cancer cases. It affects around 11 to 13 kids per million children aged younger than 15 years old – with incidence rising to 65 per million in babies under one year old, equating to approximately 650 new cases each year.
Neuroblastoma originates from nerve cells called neuroblasts, which are found in the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) and in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The exact cause of neuroblastoma is not well understood, but genetic mutations and abnormalities are known to play a role. Some cases may be linked to genetic syndromes or family history, although most occur sporadically without a clear inherited pattern.
The outlook for children with neuroblastoma can vary widely. Factors affecting prognosis include the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the age of the child, and specific biological characteristics of the tumor. Neuroblastoma is known for its ability to sometimes regress spontaneously in very young children, but it can also be aggressive and challenging to treat, accounting for 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths.
About Opaganib (ABC294640)
Opaganib, a proprietary investigational host-directed and potentially broad-acting drug, is a first-in-class, orally administered sphingosine kinase-2 (SPHK2) selective inhibitor with anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity, targeting multiple potential diseases, including obesity-related syndromes, prostate cancer and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS), Sulfur Mustard exposure, COVID-19, Ebola and other viruses as part of pandemic preparedness.
Opaganib's host-directed action is thought to work through the inhibition of multiple pathways, the induction of autophagy and apoptosis, and disruption of viral replication, through simultaneous inhibition of three sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes in human cells (SPHK2, DES1 and GCS).
Opaganib has been selected for evaluation by two U.S. government countermeasures programs for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and Sulfur Mustard exposure, both funded by the NIH: The Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the HHS National Institutes of Health, for the nuclear medical countermeasures (MCM) product development pipeline selected opaganib for development as a potential treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS); and the Chemical Medical Countermeasures (Chem MCM) Program and the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), managed respectively by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) / Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and NIH/NIAID selected opaganib for evaluation as a potential medical countermeasure (MCM) against Sulfur Mustard exposure.
Opaganib has demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, multiple variants, and several other viruses, such as Influenza A and Ebola. Opaganib delivered a statistically significant increase in survival time when given at 150 mg/kg twice a day (BID) in a United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in vivo Ebola virus study, making it the first host-directed molecule to show activity in Ebola virus disease. Opaganib also recently demonstrated a distinct synergistic effect when combined individually with remdesivir (Veklury®, Gilead Sciences Inc.), significantly improving potency while maintaining cell viability, in a U.S. Army-funded and conducted in vitro Ebola virus study.
Being host-targeted, and based on data accumulated to date, opaganib is expected to maintain effect against emerging viral variants. In prespecified analyses of Phase 2/3 clinical data in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19, oral opaganib demonstrated improved viral RNA clearance, faster time to recovery and significant mortality reduction in key patient subpopulations versus placebo on top of standard of care. Opaganib has demonstrated its safety and tolerability profile in more than 470 people in multiple clinical studies and expanded access use. Data from the opaganib global Phase 2/3 study was published in medRxiv.
Opaganib has received Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for the treatment of neuroblastoma and cholangiocarcinoma and has undergone studies in advanced cholangiocarcinoma (Phase 2a) and prostate cancer. Opaganib also has a Phase 1 chemoradiotherapy study protocol ready for FDA-IND submission.
Opaganib has also shown positive preclinical results in renal fibrosis, and has the potential to target multiple oncology, radioprotection, viral, inflammatory, and gastrointestinal indications.
midastouch017
2 weeks ago
Talicia® Launched in the United Arab Emirates
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/talicia-launched-united-arab-emirates-110000964.html
In this article:
RedHill's Talicia, the first approved low-dose rifabutin-containing all-in-one combination treatment for H. pylori, is now available on prescription to treat adults with H. pylori infection in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The commercial launch of Talicia triggers RedHill's eligibility for additional potential milestone payments, minimum sales payments and tiered royalties up to mid-teens on net sales
Talicia is the leading branded first-line therapy prescribed by U.S. gastroenterologists[1] for the treatment of H. pylori, a bacterial infection that affects 41% of the UAE population[2] and over 50% of the world's adult population[3]
RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of Talicia (omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin)[4] in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – making it available by prescription to treat adults with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The commercial launch of Talicia in the UAE triggers RedHill's eligibility for additional potential milestone payments, minimum sales payments and tiered royalties up to mid-teens on net sales. Talicia is the first approved low-dose rifabutin-containing all-in-one combination product in the UAE specifically designed to treat H. pylori.
"We are delighted with the commercial launch of Talicia in the UAE, bringing this important medicine to patients in the region," said Rick Scruggs, President, RedHill Biopharma Inc. & Chief Commercial Officer. "As one of the strongest risk factors for gastric cancer, H. pylori is a major public health concern. With 41% of the UAE population infected by H. pylori and the alarming failure rates of clarithromycin-based therapies[5],[6], there is a significant medical need for a highly effective first-line H. pylori therapy. Our efforts to make Talicia available to patients in more countries continue as we work to explore additional opportunities with existing and potential partners."
Clarithromycin-based triple therapy continues to wane in effectiveness. A 2021 study demonstrated only 68.5% eradication with traditional clarithromycin-based triple therapy, which declined further to 32% in patients harboring resistant H. pylori organisms[7]. Clarithromycin-based treatment efficacy can also be negatively impacted by patient obesity or diabetic status, neither of which impact Talicia's safety or efficacy, according to data from post-approval post-hoc analysis[8],[9].
About H. pylori
H. pylori is a bacterial infection that affects approximately 35%[10] of the U.S. population, with an estimated two million patients treated annually[11]. Worldwide, more than 50% of the population has H. pylori infection, which is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen. It remains the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer[12] and a major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease[13] and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma[14]. More than 27,000 Americans are diagnosed with gastric cancer annually[15]. Eradication of H. pylori is becoming increasingly difficult, with current therapies failing in approximately 25-40% of patients who remain H. pylori-positive due to high resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics – especially clarithromycin – which is still commonly used in standard combination therapies[16].
About Talicia
Talicia is the only low-dose rifabutin-based therapy approved for the treatment of H. pylori infection and is designed to address the high resistance of H. pylori bacteria seen with other antibiotics. The high rates of H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin have led to significant rates of treatment failure with clarithromycin-based therapies and are a strong public health concern, as highlighted by the ACG, FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recent years.
Talicia is a novel, fixed-dose, all-in-one oral capsule combination of two antibiotics (amoxicillin and rifabutin) and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (omeprazole). In November 2019, Talicia was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults. In the pivotal Phase 3 study, Talicia demonstrated 84% eradication of H. pylori infection in the intent-to-treat (ITT) group vs. 58% in the active comparator arm (p<0.0001). Minimal to zero resistance to rifabutin, a key component of Talicia, was detected in RedHill's pivotal Phase 3 study. Further, in an analysis of data from this study, it was observed that subjects who were confirmed adherent[17] to their therapy had response rates of 90.3% in the Talicia® arm vs. 64.7% in the active comparator arm[18].
Talicia is eligible for a total of eight years of U.S. market exclusivity under its Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation and is also covered by U.S. patents which extend patent protection until 2034 with additional patents and applications pending and granted in various territories worldwide.
TALICIA: INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talicia is a three-drug combination of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibacterial, and rifabutin, a rifamycin antibacterial, indicated for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Talicia and other antibacterial drugs, Talicia should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talicia contains omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibacterial and rifabutin, a rifamycin antibacterial. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of these medications, any other components of the formulation, any other beta-lactams or any other rifamycin.
Talicia is contraindicated in patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products.
Talicia is contraindicated in patients receiving delavirdine or voriconazole.
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with omeprazole, amoxicillin and rifabutin.
Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) has been reported with use of amoxicillin, a component of Talicia.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)) have been reported with rifabutin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole. Additionally, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported with rifabutin.
Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis has been observed in patients taking PPIs and penicillins.
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
Talicia may cause fetal harm. Talicia is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Talicia may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. An additional non-hormonal method of contraception is recommended when taking Talicia.
Talicia should not be used in patients with hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been reported in patients taking PPIs. These events have occurred as both new onset and exacerbation of existing autoimmune disease.
The most common adverse reactions (=1%) were diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, chromaturia, rash, dyspepsia, oropharyngeal pain, vomiting, and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact RedHill Biopharma INC. at 1-833-ADRHILL (1-833-237-4455) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Full prescribing information for Talicia is available at www.Talicia.com
About RedHill Biopharma
RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. RedHill promotes the gastrointestinal drugs Talicia®, for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults[19], and Aemcolo®, for the treatment of travelers' diarrhea in adults[20]. RedHill's key clinical late-stage development programs include: (i) opaganib (ABC294640), a first-in-class oral broad-acting, host-directed SPHK2 selective inhibitor with potential for pandemic preparedness, targeting multiple indications with a U.S. government collaboration for development for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), a Phase 2/3 program for hospitalized COVID-19, and a Phase 2 program in oncology; (ii) RHB-107 (upamostat), an oral broad-acting, host-directed, serine protease inhibitor with potential for pandemic preparedness is in late-stage development as a treatment for non-hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19, with non-dilutive external funding covering the entirety of the RHB-107 arm of the 300-patient Phase 2 adaptive platform trial, and is also targeting multiple other cancer and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases; (iii) RHB-102, with potential UK submission for chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, positive results from a Phase 3 study for acute gastroenteritis and gastritis and positive results from a Phase 2 study for IBS-D; (iv) RHB-104, with positive results from a first Phase 3 study for Crohn's disease; and (v) RHB-204, a Phase 3-stage program for pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease.
More information about the Company is available at www.redhillbio.com / twitter.com/RedHillBio.
midastouch017
3 weeks ago
RedHill Announces Positive Obesity and Diabetes Results with Opaganib
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/redhill-announces-positive-obesity-diabetes-110000454.html
The global obesity-diabetes drugs market is projected to be worth around $100 billion by 2034[1] – largely driven by Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibitors like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic® and Wegovy® and Eli Lilly's Trulicity® and Mounjaro® and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as Boehringer Ingelheim's Jardiance®
Positive results from multiple in vivo studies show the impact of sphingosine kinase-2 (SPHK2) inhibition in various models of metabolic disease, supporting the potential of opaganib therapy for diabetes and obesity-related disorders
With multiple U.S. government collaborations ongoing, opaganib is a novel, host-directed, potentially broad acting, orally administered small molecule drug with demonstrated safety & efficacy profiles. It is in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications, including COVID-19, Ebola, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and radio/chemical protection
TEL-AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced positive results from multiple in vivo studies, undertaken by RedHill's partner, Apogee Biotechnology Corporation, showing the impact of opaganib[2] on weight gain and glucose tolerance in a high fat diet (HFD) model, supporting the potential clinical use of opaganib for the prevention and therapy of Type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related disorders.
"Sphingolipid metabolism is implicated in insulin resistance, ß-cell disruption, adipocyte function, inflammation and immune regulation, vascular complications and energy metabolism – all significant components of obesity, diabetes and their associated complications," said Charles D. Smith, Ph.D. Founder and CEO of Apogee Biotechnology Corporation. "Opaganib's ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways through simultaneous inhibition of three sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes in human cells provides a strong rationale for evaluation of opaganib in obesity-related disorders."
The studies were designed to examine some of the most fundamental aspects of diabetes and obesity-related disease. The encouraging outcomes showed the benefit of opaganib therapy in suppression of HFD-induced body weight gain, loss of glucose tolerance and fat deposition. Additionally, opaganib treatment reduced weight gain and restored glucose tolerance in an already obese HFD model, suggesting its potential for treating, not just preventing, obesity-related disorders.
"Sphingolipid metabolism is a key pathway in many diseases, including obesity, but has not been adequately examined as a therapeutic target for human therapy," said Dr. Mark Levitt, Chief Scientific Officer at RedHill. "Opaganib, which acts as a sphingosine competitor, is the first clinical drug to target three key enzymes in this pathway."
The global obesity-diabetes drugs market is projected to be worth around $100 billion by 2034 – largely driven by Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibitors like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly's Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as Boehringer Ingelheim's Jardiance (Empagliflozin).