Bausch Health Provides Update on RED-C Phase 3 Clinical Trials
Rhea-AI Summary
Bausch Health (NYSE:BHC) announced results from the global Phase 3 RED-C program studying amorphous-rifaximin SSD for primary prevention of hepatic encephalopathy in adults with liver cirrhosis on Jan 23, 2026.
The trials were safe and well-tolerated but did not meet the primary endpoint. Management said it is reviewing the full dataset to determine potential new development opportunities and thanked patients, investigators, and research teams. Bausch Health reaffirmed its commitment to hepatology and other therapeutic areas.
Positive
- Phase 3 programs reported safe and well-tolerated safety profile
- Company is reviewing full dataset for potential development options
Negative
- Both RED-C Phase 3 trials failed to meet the primary endpoint
- No approved treatment exists for this patient population noted by management
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, BHC declined 10.05%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -7.3% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 3 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $272M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $2.44B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peers show mixed moves: some up (e.g., ALVO +1.37%, INDV +1.79%), others down (e.g., HCM -1.91%, SUPN -1.17%, AMRX -1.24%), suggesting stock-specific impact from this trial update.
Previous Clinical trial Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21 | Clinical/commercial update | Positive | -1.1% | Expanded public-plan access for CABTREO acne treatment in multiple Canadian regions. |
Limited clinical-trial-tag history: a prior positive access/coverage update saw a modest negative price reaction, indicating potential divergence between clinical news tone and short-term trading.
This announcement reports that the global Phase 3 RED-C program in liver cirrhosis patients for prevention of hepatic encephalopathy did not meet its primary endpoint, despite a favorable safety profile. Historically, tagged clinical news for Bausch Health includes an August 2025 update on expanded access to CABTREO, the first triple-combination acne treatment, where shares moved about -1.06%. That prior event was operationally positive but saw a negative reaction, underscoring that trading has not always tracked the apparent news quality.
Historical Comparison
Past clinical-tag news for BHC showed modest single-day moves (~1.06%) even on positive updates, suggesting typically muted trading around clinical milestones.
Clinical-tag history shows movement from commercial access expansion for CABTREO in 2025 to a later Phase 3 RED-C outcome in hepatology, highlighting diversification across therapeutic areas and mixed clinical risk outcomes.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock dropped -10.1% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite management emphasizing safety and tolerability would fit the material nature of a Phase 3 failure. The RED-C program’s inability to meet its primary endpoint in hepatic encephalopathy prevention removes a potential future asset, which can weigh on sentiment. Past clinical-tag news showed modest moves (~1.06%) even on positive updates, so a sharper decline would represent a more severe repricing of pipeline expectations than seen previously.
Key Terms
phase 3 medical
liver cirrhosis medical
hepatic encephalopathy medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"We are disappointed in the results, as there is currently no approved treatment for these patients. We are currently reviewing the full dataset to determine potential new development opportunities," said Thomas J. Appio, Chief Executive Officer, Bausch Health. "We want to thank the patients, families, investigators, and research teams whose participation made this important clinical research possible."
Bausch Health remains committed to bringing new treatments to patients across hepatology and other therapeutic areas.
About the RED-C Program
The RED-C program consists of two global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials involving more than 1,000 patients across 398 sites in 17 countries. The clinical trials evaluated rifaximin SSD for the delay of the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults with liver cirrhosis who had no prior HE episodes.
About Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a major cause of end-stage liver disease in the US. Based on October 25, 2024, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis rank ninth as a cause of death. In a patient with cirrhosis, progression is characterized by the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), jaundice, clinically significant ascites, or variceal hemorrhage.
About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC), is a global, diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neuroscience, dermatology, dentistry, aesthetics, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. For more information about Bausch Health, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Safe Harbor provisions of the
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SOURCE Bausch Health Companies Inc.
