SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.,
May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) today announced that it will
present three scientific posters at the American Association of
Immunologists (AAI) meeting in Seattle,
Washington from May 13-17,
2016. The posters provide data from the company's preclinical
research programs in key anti-inflammatory and autoimmune targets,
Nrf2, MerTK and IRAK1/4. Rigel plans to partner select preclinical
research programs in the future.
An overview of each project presented at the AAI meeting
follows:
Nrf2
Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like-2)
is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in cellular
defense against environmental stress. Rigel has discovered a
novel class of molecules that are potent activators of Nrf2, and
has identified an orally bioavailable lead candidate, R970, which
has been shown to delay the onset of and suppress clinical disease
in a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Unlike
the currently marketed Nrf2 activator dimethylfumarate (DMF),
approved for the treatment of MS, Rigel's Nrf2 activators are
favorably inactive at the niacin receptor of target cells.
Activating the niacin receptor causes a flushing side effect in
patients taking DMF. In addition to developing a next generation
therapy for MS, Rigel is exploring the potential for Nrf2 pathway
regulation in the treatment of other inflammatory and
neurodegenerative indications, including psoriasis and Huntington's
disease.
Abstract Title: R970, A Selective Activator of Nrf2, is
Efficacious in a Murine Model of Multiple
Sclerosis
Abstract Link:
https://immunology2016.zerista.com/event/member/257579
Poster Session Title: Late-Breaking Therapeutic Approaches to
Autoimmunity
Program #:
71.03
Presentation Date: 2:30pm - 3:45pm, Saturday,
May 14
Poster Board #:
P2281
MerTK
MerTK is a member of the family of TAM kinases
(Tyro3, AXL, Mer) that has been identified as having a significant
role in controlling the activity of phagocytes to remove dead cells
within an inflammatory condition. Rigel is exploring the
potential therapeutic applications of MerTK in various inflammatory
and oncology models.
Abstract Title: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of
Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Anti-inflammatory TAM Receptor
MerTK
Abstract Link:
https://immunology2016.zerista.com/event/member/256976
Poster Session Title: Innate Immune Cells and B Cells
in Cancer
Program #:
142.19
Presentation Date: 2:30pm - 3:45pm, Sunday,
May 15
Poster Board #:
P2442
IRAK1/4
IRAKs are key components in the signal
transduction pathways associated with inflammation in humans.
Rigel has identified IRAK1/4 inhibitors that are potent regulators
of the inflammatory signal mediated by the Toll-like receptors and
Interleukin-1 family of cytokines and is evaluating their potential
therapeutic utility in a number of inflammatory diseases, including
gout and lupus.
Abstract Title: Characterization of a Small Molecule
IRAK4 Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Autoimmune and
Inflammatory Diseases
Abstract Link:
https://immunology2016.zerista.com/event/member/256941
Poster Session Title: Novel Therapeutic Mechanisms in
Systemic Autoimmunity
Program #:
210.13
Presentation Date: 2:30pm - 3:45pm, Monday,
May 16
Poster Board #:
P2270
About Rigel (www.rigel.com)
Rigel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company
dedicated to the discovery and development of novel, targeted drugs
in the therapeutic areas of immunology, oncology and
immuno-oncology. Rigel's pioneering research focuses on signaling
pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. The company's
current clinical programs include fostamatinib, an oral spleen
tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, which is in Phase 3 clinical
trials for ITP; a Phase 2 clinical trial for autoimmune hemolytic
anemia (AIHA); and a Phase 2 clinical trial for IgA nephropathy
(IgAN). In addition, Rigel has two oncology product candidates in
Phase 1 development with partners BerGenBio AS and Daiichi
Sankyo.
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements,
including, without limitation, statements related to Rigel's
clinical development and partnership plans. Any statements
contained in this press release that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.
Words such as "planned," "will," "may," "expect," and similar
expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are based on
Rigel's current expectations and inherently involve
significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing
of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward looking statements as a result of these risks and
uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the availability
of resources to develop Rigel's product candidates and Rigel's
dependence on Rigel's corporate partnerships, as well as other
risks detailed from time to time in Rigel's reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2016. Rigel does not undertake any obligation to update
forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation
or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein.
Contact: Raul Rodriguez
Phone: 650.624.1302
Email: invrel@rigel.com
Media Contact: Susan C. Rogers,
Rivily, Inc.
Phone: 650.430.3777
Email: susan@rivily.com
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SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.