Rigel Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported total revenue of $29.5 million for the first quarter of 2024, driven by strong commercial demand for TAVALISSE® and REZLIDHIA®. The company acquired GAVRETO®, a U.S. marketed product for lung and thyroid cancer, expanded its portfolio, and appointed a new Chief Medical Officer. Rigel is progressing clinical trials, collaborating with MD Anderson and CONNECT, and advancing pipeline programs. Financially, total revenue included $21.1 million from TAVALISSE sales, $4.9 million from REZLIDHIA sales, and $3.5 million from collaborations. The net loss was $8.2 million. Rigel had $49.6 million in cash and investments as of March 31, 2024.

Positive

• Strong commercial demand for TAVALISSE® and REZLIDHIA® with the highest number of bottles sold since launch.

• Acquisition of GAVRETO®, a U.S. marketed product for lung and thyroid cancer, expanding the company's portfolio.

• Appointment of Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of industry experience.

• Progress in clinical trials and collaboration with MD Anderson and CONNECT to advance pipeline programs.

• Inclusion of contract revenue totaling $3.5 million from collaborations in the first quarter financial results.

Negative

• Net loss of $8.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2024.

• A decrease in total revenue compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in TAVALISSE sales.

• Stock-based compensation expenses increased, mainly from performance-based awards.

• A decrease in costs and expenses was offset by higher stock-based compensation expenses.

Insights

Pharmaceutical Financial Analyst

Rigel Pharmaceuticals has reported a mixed bag of financial results this quarter. On one hand, there's a notable increase in REZLIDHIA® sales year-over-year, which is a positive indicator for the product's uptake and future revenue potential. However, a slight decrease in TAVALISSE® net sales, despite higher shipped quantities, raises questions about pricing power and inventory management. The acquisition of GAVRETO® could offer a new revenue stream, but investors should be vigilant about the integration costs and the strategy to capitalize on the existing commercial infrastructure. The company's cash position has diminished from the previous quarter, which is typical given the operational costs, yet it reflects a need for prudent financial management going forward. The extension of the credit agreement provides some breathing room, but it's imperative to observe how this debt will be serviced in the longer term, especially considering the net loss reported.

Oncology Market Analyst

The acquisition of GAVRETO®, a treatment for RET fusion-positive cancers, is a strategic move that could enhance Rigel's oncology portfolio, opening up possibilities in both lung and thyroid cancer markets. While the RET fusion-positive market is relatively niche, representing 1-2% of NSCLC cases, it's critical for investors to recognize the value of targeted therapies in oncology. Additionally, the progress of REZLIDHIA in the AML space, a disease area with a high unmet medical need and its differentiation from other treatments due to reported durability of remissions, are promising. The nature of these advancements suggests potential for market penetration and could be a deciding factor in competitive positioning. It's important to monitor up-and-coming clinical trial results to better assess the potential for long-term revenue growth.

• First quarter 2024 total revenue of $29.5 million, which includes TAVALISSE^® net product sales of $21.1 million and REZLIDHIA^® net product sales of $4.9 million
• Expanded Rigel's portfolio with acquisition of GAVRETO^®, a U.S. marketed product for RET fusion-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer
• Appointed Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer
• Conference call and webcast scheduled today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, including sales of TAVALISSE^® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets for the treatment of adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment and sales of REZLIDHIA^® (olutasidenib) capsules for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.

"Results for the first quarter of 2024 continued to demonstrate strong commercial demand with the highest number of TAVALISSE and REZLIDHIA bottles sold in a quarter since launch. We are also excited about the recent acquisition of GAVRETO and are on track to include this product in our commercial portfolio in July of this year," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "At the same time, we are progressing the development of olutasidenib with our strategic collaborators, MD Anderson and CONNECT, and driving forward our other pipeline programs."

Business Update

• In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 2,193 TAVALISSE bottles were sold in the U.S. driven by 2,483 bottles shipped to patients and clinics, the highest number in a quarter since launch. Bottles remaining in distribution channels decreased by 290 bottles during the quarter.
• In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 390 REZLIDHIA bottles were sold in the U.S., significantly accelerating sales growth over last year. This growth was driven by increased demand, with 326 bottles shipped to patients and clinics.
• In April 2024, Rigel announced a peer-reviewed publication in Leukemia & Lymphoma on data from an analysis of the Phase 2 study evaluating REZLIDHIA in patients with mIDH1 AML who were R/R to prior venetoclax-based regimens. The findings from these analyses suggest that REZLIDHIA may provide an effective treatment for patients with recurrent AML following venetoclax combination therapy. REZLIDHIA induced durable remissions consistent with those observed in the pivotal trial and had a favorable tolerability profile.
• In March 2024, Rigel appointed Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D. as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Rojkjaer is an industry veteran with over 20 years of clinical development, regulatory, and medical affairs experience with a focus on hematology and oncology. She is a board-certified hematologist with an international clinical practice background.
• In February 2024, Rigel announced the acquisition of the U.S. rights to GAVRETO^® (pralsetinib). GAVRETO is a once daily, small molecule, oral, kinase inhibitor of wild-type RET (rearranged during transfection) and oncogenic RET fusions. GAVRETO is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer. The acquisition of this product further expands Rigel's portfolio and leverages Rigel's existing infrastructure in both the institutional and community settings. Rigel expects to complete the transition of the asset and start recognizing product sales in July 2024.
• In January 2024, Rigel and CONNECT announced a strategic development collaboration to evaluate REZLIDHIA (olutasidenib) in combination with temozolomide in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) harboring an IDH1 mutation. Under the collaboration, CONNECT will include olutasidenib in CONNECT's TarGeT-D, a molecularly guided Phase 2 umbrella clinical trial for HGG. In the Rigel-sponsored arm, adolescents and young adult patients (≤39 years old) with newly diagnosed IDH1-mutation positive HGG will receive maintenance therapy with olutasidenib in combination with temozolomide for the first year after radiotherapy, followed by olutasidenib monotherapy for the second year. Rigel will provide CONNECT funding up to $3 million and study material over the four-year collaboration.
• Rigel continues to advance its Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of R289¹, a novel and selective IRAK1/4 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS).  Enrollment in the third cohort of the trial has been completed and the company is planning to include two additional cohorts with twice daily dosing regimens. Preliminary data are expected by the end of 2024.

Financial Update
For the first quarter of 2024, total revenues were $29.5 million, consisting of $21.1 million in TAVALISSE net product sales, $4.9 million in REZLIDHIA net product sales, and $3.5 million in contract revenue from collaborations. Although TAVALISSE bottles shipped to patients and clinics reached the highest quarterly number of bottles since launch, net product sales were $21.1 million compared to $22.3 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the number of bottles remaining in distribution channels. REZLIDHIA net product sales were $4.9 million compared to $1.5 million in the same period of 2023. Contract revenue from collaborations consisted of $2.3 million from Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. related to delivery of drug supplies, $1.1 million from Grifols S.A. related to earned royalties, and $0.1 million from Medison Pharma Trading AG related to delivery of drug supplies and earned royalties.

For the first quarter of 2024, total costs and expenses were $36.5 million compared to $38.8 million for the same period of 2023. The decrease in costs and expenses was partly due to decreased research and development costs due to the timing of clinical trial activities related to the IRAK 1/4 inhibitor program, as well as the timing of trial completion activities related to two Phase 3 clinical trials of fostamatinib in patients with COVID-19 and wAIHA. In addition, the decrease was due to lower consulting and third-party services as well as lower facility-related costs. These decreases were partially offset by higher stock-based compensation expenses, mainly from performance-based awards.

For the first quarter of 2024, Rigel reported a net loss of $8.2 million, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $13.5 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share, for the same period of 2023.

As of March 31, 2024, Rigel had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $49.6 million, compared to $56.9 million as of December 31, 2023. In April 2024, Rigel entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement with MidCap Financial Trust. As part of the amendment, Rigel extended the maturity date and interest only period by one year.

Conference Call and Webcast with Slides Today at 4:30pm Eastern Time
Rigel will hold a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30pm Eastern Time (1:30pm Pacific Time).

Participants can access the live conference call by dialing (877) 407-3088 (domestic) or (201) 389-0927 (international). The conference call will also be webcast live and can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.rigel.com. The webcast will be archived and available for replay after the call via the Rigel website.

About ITP
In patients with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), the immune system attacks and destroys the body's own blood platelets, which play an active role in blood clotting and healing. Common symptoms of ITP are excessive bruising and bleeding. People suffering with chronic ITP may live with an increased risk of severe bleeding events that can result in serious medical complications or even death. Current therapies for ITP include steroids, blood platelet production boosters (TPO-RAs), and splenectomy. However, not all patients respond to existing therapies. As a result, there remains a significant medical need for additional treatment options for patients with ITP.

About AML
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects myeloid cells, which normally develop into various types of mature blood cells. AML occurs primarily in adults and accounts for about 1 percent of all adult cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 20,800 new cases in the United States, most in adults, in 2024.²

Relapsed AML affects about half of all patients who, following treatment and remission, experience a return of leukemia cells in the bone marrow.³ Refractory AML, which affects between 10 and 40 percent of newly diagnosed patients, occurs when a patient fails to achieve remission even after intensive treatment.⁴ Quality of life declines for patients with each successive line of treatment for AML, and well-tolerated treatments in relapsed or refractory disease remain an unmet need.

About NSCLC
It is estimated that over 230,000 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, with NSCLC being the most common type accounting for 80-85% of all lung cancer diagnoses.⁵ RET fusions are implicated in approximately 1-2% of patients with NSCLC.⁶

About TAVALISSE^®
Indication
TAVALISSE (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment.

Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions

• Hypertension can occur with TAVALISSE treatment. Patients with pre-existing hypertension may be more susceptible to the hypertensive effects. Monitor blood pressure every 2 weeks until stable, then monthly, and adjust or initiate antihypertensive therapy for blood pressure control maintenance during therapy. If increased blood pressure persists, TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation may be required.
• Elevated liver function tests (LFTs), mainly ALT and AST, can occur with TAVALISSE. Monitor LFTs monthly during treatment. If ALT or AST increase to ≥3 x upper limit of normal, manage hepatotoxicity using TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation.
• Diarrhea occurred in 31% of patients and severe diarrhea occurred in 1% of patients treated with TAVALISSE. Monitor patients for the development of diarrhea and manage using supportive care measures early after the onset of symptoms. If diarrhea becomes severe (≥Grade 3), interrupt, reduce dose or discontinue TAVALISSE.
• Neutropenia occurred in 6% of patients treated with TAVALISSE; febrile neutropenia occurred in 1% of patients. Monitor the ANC monthly and for infection during treatment. Manage toxicity with TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation.
• TAVALISSE can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Advise pregnant women the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Verify pregnancy status prior to initiating TAVALISSE. It is unknown if TAVALISSE or its metabolite is present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during TAVALISSE treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

Drug Interactions

• Concomitant use of TAVALISSE with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increases exposure to the major active metabolite of TAVALISSE (R406), which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Monitor for toxicities that may require a reduction in TAVALISSE dose.
• It is not recommended to use TAVALISSE with strong CYP3A4 inducers, as concomitant use reduces exposure to R406.
• Concomitant use of TAVALISSE may increase concentrations of some CYP3A4 substrate drugs and may require a dose reduction of the CYP3A4 substrate drug.
• Concomitant use of TAVALISSE may increase concentrations of BCRP substrate drugs (eg, rosuvastatin) and P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate drugs (eg, digoxin), which may require a dose reduction of the BCRP and P-gp substrate drug.

Adverse Reactions

• Serious adverse drug reactions in the ITP double-blind studies were febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, pneumonia, and hypertensive crisis, which occurred in 1% of TAVALISSE patients. In addition, severe adverse reactions occurred including dyspnea and hypertension (both 2%), neutropenia, arthralgia, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, nephrolithiasis, pain in extremity, toothache, syncope, and hypoxia (all 1%).
• Common adverse reactions (≥5% and more common than placebo) from FIT-1 and FIT-2 included: diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, dizziness, ALT and AST increased, respiratory infection, rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, chest pain, and neutropenia.

Please see www.TAVALISSEUSPI.com for Full Prescribing Information.

To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088).

TAVALISSE is a registered trademark of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

About REZLIDHIA^®
INDICATION
REZLIDHIA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 

WARNING: DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME  Differentiation syndrome, which can be fatal, can occur with REZLIDHIA treatment. Symptoms may include dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates/pleuropericardial effusion, kidney injury, hypotension, fever, and weight gain. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, withhold REZLIDHIA and initiate treatment with corticosteroids and hemodynamic monitoring until symptom resolution.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Differentiation Syndrome
REZLIDHIA can cause differentiation syndrome. In the clinical trial of REZLIDHIA in patients with relapsed or refractory AML, differentiation syndrome occurred in 16% of patients, with grade 3 or 4 differentiation syndrome occurring in 8% of patients treated, and fatalities in 1% of patients. Differentiation syndrome is associated with rapid proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells and may be life-threatening or fatal. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome in patients treated with REZLIDHIA included leukocytosis, dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates/pleuropericardial effusion, kidney injury, fever, edema, pyrexia, and weight gain. Of the 25 patients who experienced differentiation syndrome, 19 (76%) recovered after treatment or after dose interruption of REZLIDHIA. Differentiation syndrome occurred as early as 1 day and up to 18 months after REZLIDHIA initiation and has been observed with or without concomitant leukocytosis.

If differentiation syndrome is suspected, temporarily withhold REZLIDHIA and initiate systemic corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone 10 mg IV every 12 hours) for a minimum of 3 days and until resolution of signs and symptoms.  If concomitant leukocytosis is observed, initiate treatment with hydroxyurea, as clinically indicated. Taper corticosteroids and hydroxyurea after resolution of symptoms. Differentiation syndrome may recur with premature discontinuation of corticosteroids and/or hydroxyurea treatment. Institute supportive measures and hemodynamic monitoring until improvement; withhold dose of REZLIDHIA and consider dose reduction based on recurrence.

Hepatotoxicity
REZLIDHIA can cause hepatotoxicity, presenting as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased blood alkaline phosphatase, and/or elevated bilirubin. Of 153 patients with relapsed or refractory AML who received REZLIDHIA, hepatotoxicity occurred in 23% of patients; 13% experienced grade 3 or 4 hepatotoxicity. One patient treated with REZLIDHIA in combination with azacitidine in the clinical trial, a combination for which REZLIDHIA is not indicated, died from complications of drug-induced liver injury. The median time to onset of hepatotoxicity in patients with relapsed or refractory AML treated with REZLIDHIA was 1.2 months (range: 1 day to 17.5 months) after REZLIDHIA initiation, and the median time to resolution was 12 days (range: 1 day to 17 months). The most common hepatotoxicities were elevations of ALT, AST, blood alkaline phosphatase, and blood bilirubin.

Monitor patients frequently for clinical symptoms of hepatic dysfunction such as fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. Obtain baseline liver function tests prior to initiation of REZLIDHIA, at least once weekly for the first two months, once every other week for the third month, once in the fourth month, and once every other month for the duration of therapy. If hepatic dysfunction occurs, withhold, reduce, or permanently discontinue REZLIDHIA based on recurrence/severity.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, potassium decreased, sodium decreased, alkaline phosphatase increased, nausea, creatinine increased, fatigue/malaise, arthralgia, constipation, lymphocytes increased, bilirubin increased, leukocytosis, uric acid increased, dyspnea, pyrexia, rash, lipase increased, mucositis, diarrhea and transaminitis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Avoid concomitant use of REZLIDHIA with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers.
• Avoid concomitant use of REZLIDHIA with sensitive CYP3A substrates unless otherwise instructed in the substrates prescribing information. If concomitant use is unavoidable, monitor patients for loss of therapeutic effect of these drugs.

LACTATION
Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with REZLIDHIA and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

GERIATRIC USE
No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients 65 years and older and younger patients. Compared to patients younger than 65 years of age, an increase in incidence of hepatotoxicity and hypertension was observed in patients ≥65 years of age.

HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
In patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, closely monitor for increased probability of differentiation syndrome.

Click here for Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.

To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088).

REZLIDHIA is a registered trademark of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

About GAVRETO^® (pralsetinib)
INDICATIONS
GAVRETO (pralsetinib) is indicated for the treatment of:

• Adult patients with metastatic rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as detected by an FDA-approved test
• Adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate)*

*This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal ILD/pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with GAVRETO. Pneumonitis occurred in 12% of patients who received GAVRETO, including 3.3% with Grade 3-4, and 0.2% with fatal reactions. Monitor for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Withhold GAVRETO and promptly investigate for ILD in any patient who presents with acute or worsening of respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, and fever). Withhold, reduce dose or permanently discontinue GAVRETO based on severity of confirmed ILD.
• Hypertension: Occurred in 35% of patients, including Grade 3 hypertension in 18% of patients. Overall, 8% had their dose interrupted and 4.8% had their dose reduced for hypertension. Treatment-emergent hypertension was most commonly managed with anti-hypertension medications. Do not initiate GAVRETO in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Optimize blood pressure prior to initiating GAVRETO. Monitor blood pressure after 1 week, at least monthly thereafter and as clinically indicated. Initiate or adjust anti-hypertensive therapy as appropriate. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue GAVRETO based on the severity.
• Hepatotoxicity: Serious hepatic adverse reactions occurred in 1.5% of patients treated with GAVRETO. Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 49% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 in 7% and increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 37% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 in 4.8%. The median time to first onset for increased AST was 15 days (range: 5 days to 2.5 years) and increased ALT was 24 days (range: 7 days to 3.7 years). Monitor AST and ALT prior to initiating GAVRETO, every 2 weeks during the first 3 months, then monthly thereafter and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose or permanently discontinue GAVRETO based on severity.
• Hemorrhagic Events: Serious, including fatal, hemorrhagic events can occur with GAVRETO. Grade ≥3 events occurred in 4.1% of patients treated with GAVRETO including one patient with a fatal hemorrhagic event. Permanently discontinue GAVRETO in patients with severe or life-threatening hemorrhage.
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Cases of TLS have been reported in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma receiving GAVRETO. Patients may be at risk of TLS if they have rapidly growing tumors, a high tumor burden, renal dysfunction, or dehydration. Closely monitor patients at risk, consider appropriate prophylaxis including hydration, and treat as clinically indicated.
• Risk of Impaired Wound Healing: Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Therefore, GAVRETO has the potential to adversely affect wound healing. Withhold GAVRETO for at least 5 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of GAVRETO after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, GAVRETO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with GAVRETO and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with GAVRETO and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Common adverse reactions (≥25%) were musculoskeletal pain, constipation, hypertension, diarrhea, fatigue, edema, pyrexia, and cough. Common Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased hemoglobin, decreased phosphate, decreased leukocytes, decreased sodium, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), decreased calcium (corrected), decreased platelets, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased potassium, decreased potassium, and increased bilirubin.
• Avoid coadministration of GAVRETO with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors, P-gp inhibitors, or combined P-gp and strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the GAVRETO dose. Avoid coadministration of GAVRETO with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the GAVRETO dose.
• Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with GAVRETO and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Pediatric Use: Monitor open growth plates in adolescent patients. Consider interrupting or discontinuing GAVRETO if abnormalities occur.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for GAVRETO.

About Rigel
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing and providing novel therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer. Founded in 1996, Rigel is based in South San Francisco, California. For more information on Rigel, the Company's marketed products and pipeline of potential products, visit www.rigel.com.

1. R289 is an investigational compound not approved by the FDA.
2. The American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Revised January 17, 2024. Accessed Feb. 19, 2024: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/key-statistics.html
3. Leukaemia Care. Relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Version 3. Reviewed October 2021. Accessed Feb 19, 2024: https://media.leukaemiacare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Relapse-in-Acute-Myeloid-Leukaemia-AML-Web-Version.pdf
4. Thol F, Schlenk RF, Heuser M, Ganser A. How I treat refractory and early relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. Blood (2015) 126 (3): 319-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2014-10-551911
5. The American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer. Revised November 20, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2024: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
6. Kato, S. et al. RET aberrations in diverse cancers: next-generation sequencing of 4,871 patients. Clin Cancer Res. 2017;23(8):1988-1997 doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1679

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, expected commercial and financial results, expectations related to the potential and market opportunity of olutasidenib as therapeutics for R/R AML and other conditions, the commercialization of fostamatinib or olutasidenib in the U.S. and international markets, the transition and commercialization of pralsetinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and advanced thyroid cancer and Rigel's ability to further develop its clinical stage product candidates and Rigel's partnering and collaboration efforts, including the progress of Phase 1b clinical trial of R289 for the treatment of lower-risk myeloid dysplastic syndrome, olutasidenib's evaluation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic cancers, and in newly diagnosed pediatric and young adult patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) harboring an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "plan", "potential", "may", "expects", "will" and similar expressions in reference to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on Rigel's current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions and hence they inherently involve significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. 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, risks and uncertainties associated with the commercialization and marketing of fostamatinib, olutasidenib or pralsetinib ; risks that the FDA, European Medicines Agency, PMDA or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding fostamatinib, pralsetinib or olutasidenib; risks that clinical trials may not be predictive of real-world results or of results in subsequent clinical trials; risks that fostamatinib, pralsetinib  or olutasidenib may have unintended side effects, adverse reactions or incidents of misuses; the availability of resources to develop Rigel's product candidates; market competition; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in Rigel's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent filings. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Rigel does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, and expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.

Contact for Investors & Media:

Investors:
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
650.624.1232
ir@rigel.com 

Media:
David Rosen
Argot Partners
212.600.1902
david.rosen@argotpartners.com

 

RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(unaudited)
Revenues:
	Product sales, net	$                            26,003		$                            23,745
	Contract revenues from collaborations	3,531		2,325
	Total revenues	29,534		26,070
Costs and expenses:
	Cost of product sales	2,025		977
	Research and development (see Note A)	6,026		10,089
	Selling, general and administrative (see Note A)	28,449		27,729
	Total costs and expenses	36,500		38,795
Loss from operations		(6,966)		(12,725)
	Interest income	593		393
	Interest expense	(1,874)		(1,204)
Net loss		$                            (8,247)		$                          (13,536)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted		$                              (0.05)		$                              (0.08)
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted		175,203		173,568
Note A
Stock-based compensation expense included in:
	Selling, general and administrative	$                              4,484		$                              1,735
	Research and development	650		1,024
		$                              5,134		$                              2,759

 

SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA
(in thousands)
		As of  March 31,		As of  December 31,
		2024		2023(1)
		(unaudited)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		$                            49,550		$                            56,933
Total assets		126,519		117,225
Stockholders' deficit		(31,671)		(28,644)
(1)	Derived from audited financial statements

 

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SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What were Rigel's total revenue and net product sales for the first quarter of 2024?

Rigel reported total revenue of $29.5 million, including $21.1 million in TAVALISSE net product sales and $4.9 million in REZLIDHIA net product sales.

What product did Rigel acquire in February 2024?

Rigel acquired GAVRETO®, a U.S. marketed product for RET fusion-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer.

Who was appointed as Rigel's Chief Medical Officer in March 2024?

Dr. Lisa Rojkjaer was appointed as Rigel's Chief Medical Officer in March 2024.

What collaborations did Rigel announce in January 2024?

Rigel announced a strategic development collaboration with CONNECT to evaluate REZLIDHIA in combination with temozolomide in patients with high-grade glioma harboring an IDH1 mutation.

What were the key financial figures for Rigel in the first quarter of 2024?

Rigel reported a net loss of $8.2 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $49.6 million as of March 31, 2024.