National Treasure Investment Firm Redhill Announces Acquisition of Patent for COVID-19 Moderate Treatment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Kookbo Co., Ltd., a KOSPI-listed company, announced on the 20th that its invested US/Israeli biotechnology company, RedHill Biopharma, has obtained a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the method of administering Opaganib to treat diseases caused by the coronavirus in patient groups requiring a small amount of inhaled oxygen (FiO2).

The new patent titled "Sphingosine Kinase 2 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Moderate to Severe Pneumonia," which expires in 2041, protects the post-analysis results of a global Phase 2/3 study conducted on hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19. The analysis of 251 study participants requiring FiO2, including up to 60% (54% of participants) at baseline, showed that oral Opaganib treatment reduced mortality by 62% and improved the median time to room air and waiting time.

Dr. Daniele Abramson, SVP and Global Head of Intellectual Property at RedHill, emphasized, "Regarding the severe mortality and morbidity caused by COVID-19, we continue to conduct research targeting public health providers and patients worldwide. Facing a lack of treatment options that reduce mortality and discharge patients with moderate COVID-19 and resulting pneumonia, this latest patent not only adds Opaganib to our existing strong IP portfolio but also guarantees the potential to treat COVID-19, pneumonia, and key patient subgroups requiring supplemental oxygen."

Opaganib has also received orphan drug designation from the US FDA for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma and has conducted Phase 2a studies for advanced cholangiocarcinoma and Phase 2 studies for prostate cancer. Patient enrollment, treatment, and analysis are ongoing in these studies.

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