Rigel's R289 Demonstrates Potential for RBC Transfusion Independence in Phase 1b Trial for Lower-Risk MDS
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 08 2025
0mins
Should l Buy RIGL?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Update: Rigel Pharmaceuticals announced positive results from its Phase 1b study of drug candidate R289 for patients with relapsed or refractory lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), showing preliminary efficacy and good tolerability at higher doses.
Study Details: The study consists of dose escalation and expansion phases, with the dose escalation completed in July. Preliminary results indicated that 33% of transfusion-dependent patients achieved red blood cell transfusion independence at doses of 500 mg or higher.
Future Plans: The first patient in the dose expansion phase was dosed in October, with plans to randomize up to 40 patients to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose for future trials, expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026.
Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Rigel's shares rose by 3.25%, closing at $48.92.
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Analyst Views on RIGL
Wall Street analysts forecast RIGL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for RIGL is 51.50 USD with a low forecast of 38.00 USD and a high forecast of 69.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
4 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 34.150
Low
38.00
Averages
51.50
High
69.00
Current: 34.150
Low
38.00
Averages
51.50
High
69.00
About RIGL
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company. The Company is engaged in developing and providing novel therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer. It is focused on products that address signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. Its first product is TAVALISSE (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets, the approved oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. Its second product is 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. Its GAVRETO (pralsetinib) product is a once daily, small molecule, oral, kinase inhibitor of wild type rearranged during transfection (RET) and oncogenic RET fusions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Member: Rigel Pharmaceuticals has appointed Michael P. Miller to its Board of Directors, bringing over 40 years of commercial and leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, which is expected to provide valuable insights for the company's strategic plans.
- Commercial Execution Expertise: Miller previously served as Executive Vice President of U.S. Commercial at Jazz Pharmaceuticals and held senior commercial roles at Vivus and Genentech, and his extensive experience will aid Rigel in achieving its goals of growing its drug portfolio and exploring potential in-licensing opportunities.
- Company Growth Outlook: Miller noted that Rigel has evolved into a profitable company with a strong commercial engine capable of funding a promising development pipeline, a significant advantage in the biotechnology space.
- Commitment to Patient Care: Miller expressed excitement about joining Rigel and is committed to focusing on opportunities to serve more patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, underscoring the company's dedication to improving patient lives.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Projects 2026 Revenue of $275 to $290 Million
- Strong Financial Performance: Rigel Pharmaceuticals anticipates total revenue for 2025 to reach approximately $275 to $290 million, reflecting robust commercial execution and expected positive net income, which will further solidify its financial foundation.
- Significant Clinical Advancements: Rigel's R289 drug has shown promising data in the Phase 1b trial for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), marking a major milestone in clinical development that could pave the way for future market expansion.
- Robust Cash Flow: In 2025, Rigel successfully generated $77 million in cash, ensuring ample funding for existing and new clinical development programs, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Event Arrangement: CEO Raul Rodriguez will present an overview of the company at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2026, which is expected to further enhance the company's visibility and credibility among investors.
See More
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- Grant Structure: The stock options and restricted stock units will vest over four years with a one-year cliff, ensuring long-term employee commitment which enhances team stability and business continuity.
- Compliance Assurance: This grant complies with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), reflecting Rigel's rigorous approach to talent management and compliance, thereby enhancing the company's credibility among investors and in the market.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing novel therapies that improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, and this incentive measure will help maintain its innovation and growth momentum in the competitive biotechnology sector.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Grants 24,775 Stock Options to New Employees
- Employee Incentive Plan: Rigel Pharmaceuticals has granted 24,775 stock options and 16,555 restricted stock units to 11 non-executive employees under an inducement plan approved by the Board's Compensation Committee, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitive edge.
- Grant Structure: The stock options and restricted stock units will vest over four years with a one-year cliff, which not only incentivizes long-term employee commitment but also ensures stability during critical talent transitions within the company.
- Compliance Assurance: This grant complies with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), ensuring that Rigel adheres to relevant regulations while attracting new employees, thereby reducing compliance risks and enhancing the company's reputation.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing novel therapies that improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, and this incentive measure will support its ongoing innovation and market competitiveness in the biotechnology sector.
See More
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- Service Commitment Enhancement: Onco360's Chief Commercial Officer, Benito Fernandez, emphasized the company's dedication to delivering personalized service and clinical expertise, aiming to improve medication adherence for patients and caregivers, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Industry Leadership Position: As the largest independent oncology pharmacy in the U.S., Onco360 ensures high-quality medication and support services through its URAC and ACHC accredited network, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Strategic Development Focus: Founded in 2003, Onco360's focus on oncology and complex disease treatment highlights its strategic importance in addressing the specialized needs of healthcare providers and patients, which is expected to drive future business growth.
See More
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- Conference Appearance: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CEO Raul Rodriguez will present a company overview at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM PT, aiming to enhance investor awareness of the company's strategy and product pipeline.
- Investor Relations: The presentation will be accessible via live webcast and archived recording on Rigel's website, ensuring investors can stay updated on the latest company developments and fostering greater interaction and transparency.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment to improving patient quality of life in the biotechnology sector.
- Market Positioning: By participating in key healthcare conferences, Rigel not only boosts its visibility in the biotech industry but also potentially attracts more investor interest in its product pipeline and market potential.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Member: Rigel Pharmaceuticals has appointed Michael P. Miller to its Board of Directors, bringing over 40 years of commercial and leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, which is expected to provide valuable insights for the company's strategic plans.
- Commercial Execution Expertise: Miller previously served as Executive Vice President of U.S. Commercial at Jazz Pharmaceuticals and held senior commercial roles at Vivus and Genentech, and his extensive experience will aid Rigel in achieving its goals of growing its drug portfolio and exploring potential in-licensing opportunities.
- Company Growth Outlook: Miller noted that Rigel has evolved into a profitable company with a strong commercial engine capable of funding a promising development pipeline, a significant advantage in the biotechnology space.
- Commitment to Patient Care: Miller expressed excitement about joining Rigel and is committed to focusing on opportunities to serve more patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, underscoring the company's dedication to improving patient lives.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Projects 2026 Revenue of $275 to $290 Million
- Strong Financial Performance: Rigel Pharmaceuticals anticipates total revenue for 2025 to reach approximately $275 to $290 million, reflecting robust commercial execution and expected positive net income, which will further solidify its financial foundation.
- Significant Clinical Advancements: Rigel's R289 drug has shown promising data in the Phase 1b trial for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), marking a major milestone in clinical development that could pave the way for future market expansion.
- Robust Cash Flow: In 2025, Rigel successfully generated $77 million in cash, ensuring ample funding for existing and new clinical development programs, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Event Arrangement: CEO Raul Rodriguez will present an overview of the company at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2026, which is expected to further enhance the company's visibility and credibility among investors.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Grants 24,775 Stock Options to Attract Talent
- Talent Attraction Initiative: Rigel Pharmaceuticals has granted 24,775 stock options and 16,555 restricted stock units to 11 non-executive employees under an inducement plan approved by the Compensation Committee, aiming to attract and retain key talent through an appealing compensation structure.
- Grant Structure: The stock options and restricted stock units will vest over four years with a one-year cliff, ensuring long-term employee commitment which enhances team stability and business continuity.
- Compliance Assurance: This grant complies with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), reflecting Rigel's rigorous approach to talent management and compliance, thereby enhancing the company's credibility among investors and in the market.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing novel therapies that improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, and this incentive measure will help maintain its innovation and growth momentum in the competitive biotechnology sector.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Grants 24,775 Stock Options to New Employees
- Employee Incentive Plan: Rigel Pharmaceuticals has granted 24,775 stock options and 16,555 restricted stock units to 11 non-executive employees under an inducement plan approved by the Board's Compensation Committee, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitive edge.
- Grant Structure: The stock options and restricted stock units will vest over four years with a one-year cliff, which not only incentivizes long-term employee commitment but also ensures stability during critical talent transitions within the company.
- Compliance Assurance: This grant complies with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), ensuring that Rigel adheres to relevant regulations while attracting new employees, thereby reducing compliance risks and enhancing the company's reputation.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing novel therapies that improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, and this incentive measure will support its ongoing innovation and market competitiveness in the biotechnology sector.
See More
Onco360 Selected as Limited Distribution Partner for Rigel's TAVALISSE, GAVRETO, and REZLIDHIA
- Partnership Formation: Onco360 has been selected by Rigel Pharmaceuticals as a limited distribution specialty pharmacy partner for TAVALISSE, GAVRETO, and REZLIDHIA, marking a significant expansion in its oncology portfolio and expected to enhance its market share in complex disease treatments.
- Service Commitment Enhancement: Onco360's Chief Commercial Officer, Benito Fernandez, emphasized the company's dedication to delivering personalized service and clinical expertise, aiming to improve medication adherence for patients and caregivers, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Industry Leadership Position: As the largest independent oncology pharmacy in the U.S., Onco360 ensures high-quality medication and support services through its URAC and ACHC accredited network, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Strategic Development Focus: Founded in 2003, Onco360's focus on oncology and complex disease treatment highlights its strategic importance in addressing the specialized needs of healthcare providers and patients, which is expected to drive future business growth.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals CEO to Present Company Overview at 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
- Conference Appearance: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CEO Raul Rodriguez will present a company overview at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM PT, aiming to enhance investor awareness of the company's strategy and product pipeline.
- Investor Relations: The presentation will be accessible via live webcast and archived recording on Rigel's website, ensuring investors can stay updated on the latest company developments and fostering greater interaction and transparency.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment to improving patient quality of life in the biotechnology sector.
- Market Positioning: By participating in key healthcare conferences, Rigel not only boosts its visibility in the biotech industry but also potentially attracts more investor interest in its product pipeline and market potential.
See More
