RedHill Biopharma Ltd., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced on March 5, 2024, that its investigational drug opaganib has been selected for evaluation by the U.S. government's Chemical Medical Countermeasures (Chem MCM) Program and Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) as a potential medical countermeasure against Sulfur Mustard exposure. The evaluation, which includes assessing opaganib's efficacy against sub-chronic fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from Sulfur Mustard, is managed by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Opaganib is a novel oral small molecule and the first sphingosine kinase-2 (SPHK2) inhibitor to be considered for this purpose. The drug, which has a five-year shelf-life and is...Show More

RedHill Biopharma Ltd., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced on March 5, 2024, that its investigational drug opaganib has been selected for evaluation by the U.S. government's Chemical Medical Countermeasures (Chem MCM) Program and Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) as a potential medical countermeasure against Sulfur Mustard exposure. The evaluation, which includes assessing opaganib's efficacy against sub-chronic fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from Sulfur Mustard, is managed by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Opaganib is a novel oral small molecule and the first sphingosine kinase-2 (SPHK2) inhibitor to be considered for this purpose. The drug, which has a five-year shelf-life and is easy to administer, is also being developed for other indications such as COVID-19, ARDS, and oncology. The selection of opaganib follows its previous acceptance into the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP) for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), indicating its potential broad activity across different types of injuries. RedHill Biopharma, in collaboration with Apogee Biotechnology Corporation, is working towards FDA approval for opaganib's use against potential chemical weapon attacks.