National Treasure "Redhill Opaganib Expected to Reduce COVID-19 Mortality Rate"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Kookbo, a Kospi-listed company, announced on the 4th that the COVID-19 treatment under development by Israeli pharmaceutical biotech company RedHill Biopharma is expected to reduce mortality rates.

According to RedHill's announcement, the COVID-19 treatment Opaganib has demonstrated dual anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity targeting host cell components, and as a selective sphingosine kinase-2 inhibitor, it potentially minimizes the possibility of viral resistance, reportedly reducing mortality in severe patients by 62%.

Additionally, Opaganib is said to be comparable in efficacy to Paxlovid and Lagevrio and has advantages in price competitiveness. Unlike the two aforementioned treatments, which must be taken within 5 days of symptom onset, Opaganib has no such restrictions and offers the benefit of shortening hospitalization by 4 days, according to RedHill.

According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 29th of last month (local time), a new recombinant variant virus named ‘XE’ combines the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant with the stealth Omicron (BA.2). Initial studies suggest that the ‘XE’ variant may have higher transmissibility. It was first detected in mid-January in the UK, with cases also identified in Israel, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Although the number of confirmed cases is decreasing domestically, mortality rates remain steady, indicating a need for treatment of severe patients, and the emergence of the new Omicron variant means the situation cannot be taken lightly.

Kookbo stated, “Currently, the oral treatments approved for emergency use by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are Paxlovid and Lagevrio (active ingredient molnupiravir). Besides these, Opaganib from RedHill is gaining attention as a treatment available for distribution domestically.” They added, “RedHill is currently undergoing EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) procedures in overseas countries and has received positive feedback from Colombia and Russia. Additional data has been submitted to the US and EU, and if emergency use approval is granted abroad, domestic distribution is expected to be possible.”

They continued, “In a situation where domestic mortality rates are not easily decreasing, Opaganib, which is the most advanced in clinical and completeness aspects as a moderate to severe treatment, is expected to play a role in reducing mortality rates.”

Meanwhile, Kookbo announced that it has signed an exclusive commercialization license agreement with RedHill for the COVID-19 treatment Opaganib and is currently preparing the emergency use application process with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.