#United States #CMO #South San Francisco #Rigel Pharmaceuticals #Alison L. Hannah

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Welcomes Dr. Alison L. Hannah as CMO

In a significant move for the company, Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced the appointment of Dr. Alison L. Hannah, M.D. as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Hannah, who resigned from her position on the Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience in the oncology drug development sector. This change marks a pivotal moment for the company as it strives to enhance its pipeline of treatments focused on hematologic disorders and cancer.

Background on Dr. Hannah

Dr. Hannah has been a valued member of Rigel's Board since 2021, where her insight was instrumental in guiding the company’s strategic direction. She succeeds Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D., in the CMO role and will now be an integral part of the executive leadership team. Dr. Raul Rodriguez, President and CEO of Rigel, expressed optimism about Dr. Hannah’s capabilities, noting, "Her deep experience leading oncology clinical development and advancing investigational therapies through the regulatory process will be extremely valuable as we continue to advance our development pipeline."

Current Developments at Rigel

Rigel Pharmaceuticals has a promising pipeline, with its leading candidate, R289, currently advancing through a Phase 1b clinical trial targeting patients with relapsed or refractory lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This investigational compound acts as a potent and selective dual inhibitor of interleukin receptor-associated kinases 1 and 4, and is critical in the ongoing effort to establish its safety and efficacy.

This trial is significant not only for its potential to treat MDS but also for its broader implications in oncology treatment. Enrollment for the dose expansion phase is currently ongoing, and Rigel is well-positioned to finalize enrollment and select a recommended dose for future studies by the second half of 2026. The company anticipates sharing preliminary data from this phase by the end of 2026.

In addition to R289, Rigel is also evaluating its other candidates, including vepdegestrant for metastatic breast cancer, as part of its broader strategy to expand its therapeutic options.

Dr. Hannah's Vision for Rigel

Expressing her excitement about her new role, Dr. Hannah stated, "I am excited to join Rigel at this important stage in the company's evolution. Having served on Rigel's Board, I have seen firsthand the strength of the team, the scientific rationale behind its programs and the opportunity to advance meaningful new therapies for patients with hematologic disorders and cancer." Her new position will involve guiding the continued development of R289 and shaping the company's clinical strategy moving forward, reflecting her commitment to enhancing therapeutic options for patients.

About Rigel Pharmaceuticals

Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing novel therapies for patients suffering from hematologic disorders and cancer. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company has established itself as a vital player in the biotechnology sector, driven by a mission to improve patient lives.

Dr. Hannah's appointment is a promising development for Rigel as it moves forward with innovative therapies aimed at transforming the treatment landscape for serious health conditions. With her leadership, Rigel looks set to navigate the complexities of drug development and clinical trials effectively.

For more information about Rigel Pharmaceuticals and its pipeline, please visit www.rigel.com.

[Note: R289 is an investigational compound not approved by the FDA.]