Ophirex BRAVIO Trial Results Have Been Published
The Phase 2 study of the experimental snakebite drug varespladib failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoints.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Stroke
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Ophirex recently published results from its BRAVIO clinical trial, which tested the efficacy of varespladib in 140 hospitalized snakebite patients. While the treatment failed to meet its primary endpoints for overall recovery time, subgroup data indicated potential benefits for specific snakebite types.
Why it matters
Snakebite envenomation remains a critical global health concern, and this study provides key insights into whether varespladib can reduce illness severity when used alongside standard antivenom. The trial results offer a foundation for further research into treating venomous bites with small-molecule inhibitors.
Krait patients treated with varespladib required 21 hours of ventilation compared to 40 hours for the placebo group. Additionally, researchers observed 36% lower illness severity in krait bites and 43% lower severity in copperhead bites within the first week.
The players
Ophirex
This Corte Madera, California-based pharmaceutical company specializes in developing small-molecule therapies for neglected tropical diseases and envenomation.
The details
The trial, which spanned 18 sites in India and the United States, assigned patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive either varespladib or a placebo in addition to standard antivenom. Researchers administered intravenous sodium varespladib followed by oral methyl varespladib an average of 7.3 hours after the initial snakebite.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Ophirex announced the publication of the BRAVIO trial results.
Day 14: Endpoint measurement for the Snakebite Severity Score.
Health Landscape
The study marks a milestone in venom research, as 95% of venomous species contain the sPLA2 toxin that varespladib is designed to inhibit. Ophirex is using this data to continue its research program under the FDA's Animal Rule, which provides a pathway for approval when human efficacy trials are not feasible.
There are no immediate changes to standard care for snakebite patients, as current antivenom protocols remain the primary medical treatment. Future developments may offer additional therapeutic options, but varespladib is not currently available for routine medical use.
The takeaway
Although the trial did not meet its primary goals, the significant reduction in illness severity for specific snake species suggests that targeted treatments could eventually complement existing antivenom. Ongoing research will determine the viability of these inhibitors as standard adjunct therapies for envenomation.
What happens next
Ophirex plans to publish additional subgroup analyses for krait and copperhead bites in the coming months.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and advancements in the field of Stroke.
More information
Read the complete Phase 2 clinical trial research paper for further technical details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstwordpharma.
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