RedHill Biopharma Advances RHB‑102, a Once‑Daily Ondansetron, for GLP‑1‑Associated GI Side Effects

RDHL
January 05, 2026

RedHill Biopharma has advanced its RHB‑102 program, a once‑daily oral ondansetron that delivers both immediate and sustained release. The bimodal formulation is designed to manage nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that patients experience when starting GLP‑1 receptor agonists such as Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy. By improving titration and reducing early discontinuation, RHB‑102 could help patients stay on these life‑changing therapies for longer.

The company’s clinical portfolio already includes positive Phase 3 data for acute gastroenteritis and gastritis, and Phase 2 data for diarrhea‑predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Building on that success, RedHill plans to launch a Phase 2 proof‑of‑concept study later in 2026 to evaluate RHB‑102 in patients receiving GLP‑1 therapy. The study will test whether the once‑daily extended‑release formulation can become the first 24‑hour ondansetron product approved under the FDA’s accelerated 505(b)(2) pathway, potentially shortening the time to market and reducing development costs.

RedHill’s core products—Talicia, a once‑daily anti‑emetic for chemotherapy‑induced nausea, and Movantik, a laxative for opioid‑induced constipation—have provided a stable revenue base. Talicia’s net revenue grew to $9.0 million in 2024, up from $8.8 million in 2023, while the company’s divestiture of Movantik has cut operating losses and debt, leaving a cash balance of $4.8 million and a 74 % reduction in cash burn year‑over‑year. The RHB‑102 expansion is part of a broader strategy to leverage RedHill’s host‑targeted technology platform across multiple therapeutic areas.

The GLP‑1 market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, yet up to 50 % of patients discontinue therapy within three months because of gastrointestinal side effects. If these discontinuations are not addressed, analysts project a $35 billion loss in market value by 2030. RHB‑102’s once‑daily profile could mitigate this risk, improving adherence and potentially capturing a sizable share of the growing GLP‑1 market. RedHill’s management has emphasized that the drug’s design—combining immediate relief with sustained coverage—addresses the most troublesome early‑stage symptoms that drive early drop‑off.

Investors responded positively to the announcement, reflecting confidence in RedHill’s ability to translate clinical success into commercial impact. The company’s strategic focus on expanding beyond its core products, coupled with a strong pipeline and a lean balance sheet, positions it to capitalize on the unmet need in the GLP‑1 space.

The announcement underscores RedHill’s commitment to developing differentiated, host‑targeted therapies that address real patient challenges. By moving RHB‑102 forward, the company is poised to broaden its commercial portfolio and strengthen its competitive position in a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.

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