#USA #oncology #South San Francisco #Rigel Pharmaceuticals #Mark Frohlich

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Welcomes Dr. Mark W. Frohlich

In a significant announcement, Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) has appointed Dr. Mark W. Frohlich, a seasoned medical oncologist, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Frohlich adds a wealth of expertise, particularly in developing cellular immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer, which will certainly bolster Rigel's strategic direction in hematology and oncology.

Experience and Expertise

With over 25 years in the industry, Dr. Frohlich's journey encompasses numerous high-profile roles where he has been instrumental in the advancement of cancer therapies. Currently, he is the chief executive officer of Indapta Therapeutics, a private biotechnology firm focused on allogenic natural killer cell therapies aimed at addressing the unmet needs in cancer care and autoimmune diseases. His background exemplifies a robust blend of clinical development, translational research, and portfolio strategy, making him an invaluable asset to Rigel's mission.

Prior to leading Indapta, Dr. Frohlich provided consultancy services to various immuno-oncology companies. He notably served at Juno Therapeutics, where he directed portfolio strategy for the team that brought the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy, Breyanzi®, into the market for large B-cell lymphoma. His earlier endeavors included significant roles at Dendreon Corporation, a pioneer in cellular immunotherapy, where he oversaw the clinical team accountable for developing and securing regulatory approval for PROVENGE®, one of the first cancer immunotherapies available commercially.

Dr. Frohlich's history in academia is also impressive. He held a position as an assistant adjunct professor of hematology/oncology at UCSF, focusing on urologic oncology. With a foundational education comprising a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Economics from Yale College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, his credentials are robust. He also completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology and a Howard Hughes postdoctoral fellowship, showcasing his strong academic foundation.

Rigel's Future

Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Frohlich's appointment, asserting that his extensive experience in clinical development, translational research, and portfolio strategy would significantly enhance Rigel's capacity as it continues to advance its pipeline in hematology and oncology. As Rigel pushes forward with innovative therapies, Dr. Frohlich's insights and leadership will be crucial in navigating future hurdles and opportunities.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Frohlich expressed excitement about Rigel's potential. He underscored the significant promise of the IRAK1/4 and IDH1 inhibitor programs, particularly in addressing conditions like lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and glioma. His eagerness to collaborate with the existing team at Rigel signifies a forward-thinking approach aimed at delivering new treatment options for patients in need.

Conclusion

Rigel Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1996 and remains dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies that markedly enhance the lives of patients afflicted by hematologic disorders and cancer. The company, headquartered in South San Francisco, California, continues to pursue its vision, bolstered by the addition of capable leaders like Dr. Frohlich. For further insights into Rigel's portfolio and initiatives, individuals are encouraged to visit Rigel's website.