RedHill Biopharma Ltd (RDHL)

[DorseyE]

RedHill reaching critical mass in IBS?

One of the most important developmental programs for RedHill Biopharma (NASDAQ:RDHL) is a bimodal release formulation of the serotonin receptor antagonist ondansetron, which is commonly used to help prevent nausea. RDHL is developing this compound for gastrointestinal disorders, and the 24-mg dose was tested in the phase 3 GUARD study for patients with gastroenteritis or gastritis.

Now, RDHL has announced that a separate study, a phase 2 trial assessing a 12-mg dose of Bekinda for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, has enrolled its last patient, charting a course for late-stage development in this indication.

Looking forward: Irritable bowel syndrome afflicts a large number of patients, with many not being able to find relief from various treatment strategies. So it could be a significant coup for RDHL, as there is only one other serotonin receptor antagonist in this field. Ondansetron has a pretty solid place in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as part of a large variety of agents in this class. Hopefully it can provide some relief to patients with IBS, too.