Tel Aviv, Israel & Raleigh, N.C., July 28, 2026
RedHill Biopharma Ltd. has announced significant progress in the emergency development of its investigational host-directed antiviral opaganib as the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) outbreak continues to escalate. According to the company, confirmed cases have risen to 3,221, with 1,407 reported deaths, underscoring the urgent need for additional therapeutic options beyond currently available treatments. RedHill is actively finalizing development plans while advancing partnership discussions with the African Medicines Agency Emergency Task Force, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Democratic Republic of Congo Scientific Advisory Committee to evaluate opaganib as a potential treatment candidate for Ebola virus disease (EVD). The company believes its investigational oral therapy could complement existing antiviral strategies and strengthen preparedness for current and future filovirus outbreaks.
Opaganib Shows Potential as a Host-Directed Ebola Therapy
Opaganib is an investigational oral sphingosine kinase-2 (SPHK2) selective inhibitor being developed for multiple infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and oncology indications. Unlike direct-acting antivirals, the therapy targets host-cell pathways that viruses rely on for replication, potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance caused by viral mutations. According to RedHill, previous Phase III clinical data in severe COVID-19 demonstrated encouraging antiviral activity when opaganib was administered alongside remdesivir, showing a 70.2% reduction in mortality, faster viral RNA clearance, and no additional safety concerns. Preclinical studies funded by the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) also demonstrated inhibition of Ebola virus replication in human macrophages, improved survival in one animal model, and synergistic activity when combined with Veklury® (remdesivir). Collectively, these findings support further clinical evaluation of opaganib as a potential treatment for Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease, particularly as an add-on therapy to currently available antivirals.
Partnerships Aim to Accelerate Ebola Clinical Development
To support rapid evaluation during the current outbreak, RedHill Biopharma is collaborating with leading public health organizations and academic institutions across Africa. The company confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the African Medicines Agency Emergency Task Force, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, MUST, and scientific experts in the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding development pathways and potential clinical partnerships. Health experts involved in the initiative have emphasized the absence of proven therapies specifically targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies that are both effective and easy to deploy. Because opaganib is administered orally and has accumulated clinical safety data from more than 470 participants across multiple studies, it offers logistical advantages for outbreak settings where healthcare infrastructure may be limited. RedHill also noted that previous support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for Ebola medical countermeasure development further strengthens confidence in the investigational program.
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Investigational Program Supports Global Outbreak Preparedness
The continued advancement of opaganib reflects RedHill’s broader strategy of developing host-directed antiviral therapies capable of addressing emerging infectious diseases and strengthening global biodefense preparedness. While the medicine remains investigational and has not received regulatory approval for Ebola or any viral indication, the company believes its dual mechanism of action, favorable safety profile, oral administration, and potential activity across multiple filoviruses justify urgent clinical evaluation during the ongoing outbreak. As international health authorities continue responding to the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo ebolavirus epidemic, additional clinical evidence will be essential to determine whether opaganib can contribute to improved treatment outcomes. The company plans to continue working closely with regulatory agencies, public health partners, and scientific collaborators to accelerate development while ensuring adequate drug supply for future clinical investigations.
Source: RedHill Biopharma press release
