Redhill Biopharma shares surge 12.03% premarket after positive opaganib-venetoclax CLL study shows 50% cell reduction.

RedHill Biopharma surged 12.03% in premarket trading following the release of positive in vivo data showing that opaganib, its SPHK2 inhibitor, combined with venetoclax reduced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell counts by 50% compared to controls. The results, highlighted in a study led by independent researchers, suggest opaganib could mitigate resistance to venetoclax—a $2.5 billion blockbuster for CLL—and enhance its therapeutic efficacy. The company emphasized opaganib’s potential as an add-on therapy in oncology, with ongoing Phase 2 trials in prostate cancer and a robust safety profile demonstrated in over 470 participants. The news aligns with RedHill’s focus on expanding opaganib’s applications across oncology, virology, and inflammation, supported by U.S. government partnerships including BARDA funding. The data reinforces investor optimism about the drug’s pipeline and its role in addressing unmet medical needs.