Rigel Pharmaceuticals Closes License Agreement for VEPPANU with Arvinas and Pfizer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Rigel Pharmaceuticals announced the closing of its license agreement for VEPPANU, or vepdegestrant, following the early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Rigel previously announced it entered into an exclusive, global license agreement with Arvinas (ARVN) and Pfizer (PFE) to develop, manufacture and commercialize VEPPANU. VEPPANU is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative-estrogen receptor 1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as detected by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy. The agreement is effective as of June 11 and Rigel has made the upfront payment of $70.0M to be distributed evenly between Arvinas and Pfizer, consistent with the terms of the agreement. Rigel expects to make VEPPANU commercially available in August.
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Analyst Views on RIGL
Wall Street analysts forecast RIGL stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 33.370
Low
38.00
Averages
52.00
High
71.00
Current: 33.370
Low
38.00
Averages
52.00
High
71.00
About RIGL
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company. The Company is engaged in developing and providing therapies for patients with hematologic disorders and cancer. It focuses on products that address signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. Its products include TAVALISSE, REZLIDHIA, and GAVRETO. TAVALISSE is an oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia. REZLIDHIA is used for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation. GAVRETO is a once daily, small molecule, oral, kinase inhibitor of wild type rearranged during transfection (RET) and oncogenic RET fusions. It is used for the treatment of 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.
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 Closes License Agreement for VEPPANU
- License Agreement Finalized: Rigel Pharmaceuticals completed its license agreement for VEPPANU with Arvinas and Pfizer on June 11, 2026, making an upfront payment of $70 million, indicating a strategic move in the oncology treatment sector.
- FDA-Approved Drug: VEPPANU has received FDA approval for treating ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, with commercial availability expected in August 2026, addressing the urgent market demand for new therapies.
- Safety Warnings: VEPPANU may cause QT interval prolongation, necessitating ECG monitoring before and during treatment, reflecting the company's commitment to patient safety.
- Adverse Reaction Monitoring: Serious adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients treated with VEPPANU, highlighting the need for vigilance and effective risk management strategies regarding drug side effects.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present at Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
- Presentation Schedule: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CEO Raul Rodriguez will present a company overview at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 3, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. ET in New York, aiming to enhance investor understanding of the company's operations.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast and archived recording of the presentation through the Investor Relations section of Rigel's website, ensuring they connect prior to the start to allow for any necessary software downloads, thereby improving investor engagement.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996 and based in South San Francisco, California, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer, dedicated to significantly improving patient quality of life, showcasing its expertise in the biotechnology sector.
- Pipeline Information: Rigel not only has marketed products but is also actively advancing a pipeline of potential products, further solidifying its position in the biopharmaceutical industry and attracting more investor interest in its future growth potential.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Presents GAVRETO Phase 3 Data at ASCO 2026
- Clinical Trial Results: Rigel Pharmaceuticals will present the final data from the Phase 3 AcceleRET-Lung trial of GAVRETO (pralsetinib) for RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, which is expected to enhance its market position in oncology treatment.
- Multiple Data Presentations: In addition to the oral presentation of GAVRETO, both ASCO and the European Hematology Association (EHA) will feature data on REZLIDHIA (olutasidenib) for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), further validating its efficacy as a treatment option.
- Market Demand Response: With over 229,000 new lung cancer diagnoses projected in the U.S. in 2026, and non-small cell lung cancer accounting for 77% of all cases, GAVRETO's potential as a first-line treatment highlights its market opportunity to meet increasing patient needs.
- Strategic Significance: The CEO of Rigel emphasized that the presentations at ASCO underscore the clinical relevance of their oncology portfolio, indicating the company's commitment to developing targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, thereby improving patient quality of life and driving long-term growth.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present GAVRETO and REZLIDHIA Data at ASCO Annual Meeting
- Clinical Trial Data Presentation: Rigel Pharmaceuticals will present final data from the Phase 3 AcceleRET-Lung trial of GAVRETO (pralsetinib) at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, demonstrating superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard care, highlighting its clinical utility in RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
- Safety Analysis: In the AcceleRET-Lung trial, 30% of patients in the GAVRETO group experienced death, with 7.4% due to infections, indicating a need for enhanced monitoring of infection risks to ensure patient safety during treatment.
- Efficacy Validation of REZLIDHIA: In a real-world study of relapsed or refractory (R/R) IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, REZLIDHIA demonstrated a 60.8% complete response rate and a median response duration of 30.3 months, reinforcing its position as an effective treatment option.
- Future Treatment Strategies: The findings suggest that earlier sequencing of REZLIDHIA may optimize patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of strategic drug ordering in addressing the challenges faced by relapsed AML patients.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present at RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference
- Conference Presentation: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CFO Dean Schorno will present a company overview at the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference on May 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET in New York, highlighting its innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast and archived recording through the Investor Relations section of Rigel's website, ensuring they connect prior to the start of the live event for any necessary software downloads to enhance participation.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996 and based in South San Francisco, California, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on discovering and developing novel therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, showcasing its expertise and market potential in the biotechnology sector.
- Investor Contact Information: Investors and media can reach out through the provided contact details for timely inquiries, ensuring transparency and effective communication, which strengthens the interaction between the company and its investors.
See More
Rigel Partners with Arvinas and Pfizer for Breast Cancer Treatment
- FDA Approval: Vepdegestrant, branded as Veppanu, received FDA approval earlier this month, becoming the only FDA-approved oral PROTAC therapy, which is expected to drive Rigel's cancer treatment portfolio expansion and enhance market competitiveness.
- Financial Gains from Agreement: Rigel will receive $70 million upfront and an additional $15 million upon completion of transition activities, along with potential future milestone payments of up to $320 million, significantly improving the company's financial outlook and investor confidence.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Rigel's shares surged over 15% following the announcement of the agreement, reflecting investor optimism regarding the new drug's market potential and indicating the company's growth prospects in oncology.
- Clinical Data Support: Veppanu demonstrated a 43% reduction in disease progression risk in Phase 3 studies, with a median progression-free survival of five months compared to 2.1 months for the comparator drug Fulvestrant, highlighting its significant therapeutic advantage.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Closes License Agreement for VEPPANU
- License Agreement Finalized: Rigel Pharmaceuticals completed its license agreement for VEPPANU with Arvinas and Pfizer on June 11, 2026, making an upfront payment of $70 million, indicating a strategic move in the oncology treatment sector.
- FDA-Approved Drug: VEPPANU has received FDA approval for treating ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, with commercial availability expected in August 2026, addressing the urgent market demand for new therapies.
- Safety Warnings: VEPPANU may cause QT interval prolongation, necessitating ECG monitoring before and during treatment, reflecting the company's commitment to patient safety.
- Adverse Reaction Monitoring: Serious adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients treated with VEPPANU, highlighting the need for vigilance and effective risk management strategies regarding drug side effects.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present at Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
- Presentation Schedule: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CEO Raul Rodriguez will present a company overview at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 3, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. ET in New York, aiming to enhance investor understanding of the company's operations.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast and archived recording of the presentation through the Investor Relations section of Rigel's website, ensuring they connect prior to the start to allow for any necessary software downloads, thereby improving investor engagement.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996 and based in South San Francisco, California, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer, dedicated to significantly improving patient quality of life, showcasing its expertise in the biotechnology sector.
- Pipeline Information: Rigel not only has marketed products but is also actively advancing a pipeline of potential products, further solidifying its position in the biopharmaceutical industry and attracting more investor interest in its future growth potential.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Presents GAVRETO Phase 3 Data at ASCO 2026
- Clinical Trial Results: Rigel Pharmaceuticals will present the final data from the Phase 3 AcceleRET-Lung trial of GAVRETO (pralsetinib) for RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, which is expected to enhance its market position in oncology treatment.
- Multiple Data Presentations: In addition to the oral presentation of GAVRETO, both ASCO and the European Hematology Association (EHA) will feature data on REZLIDHIA (olutasidenib) for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), further validating its efficacy as a treatment option.
- Market Demand Response: With over 229,000 new lung cancer diagnoses projected in the U.S. in 2026, and non-small cell lung cancer accounting for 77% of all cases, GAVRETO's potential as a first-line treatment highlights its market opportunity to meet increasing patient needs.
- Strategic Significance: The CEO of Rigel emphasized that the presentations at ASCO underscore the clinical relevance of their oncology portfolio, indicating the company's commitment to developing targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, thereby improving patient quality of life and driving long-term growth.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present GAVRETO and REZLIDHIA Data at ASCO Annual Meeting
- Clinical Trial Data Presentation: Rigel Pharmaceuticals will present final data from the Phase 3 AcceleRET-Lung trial of GAVRETO (pralsetinib) at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, demonstrating superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard care, highlighting its clinical utility in RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
- Safety Analysis: In the AcceleRET-Lung trial, 30% of patients in the GAVRETO group experienced death, with 7.4% due to infections, indicating a need for enhanced monitoring of infection risks to ensure patient safety during treatment.
- Efficacy Validation of REZLIDHIA: In a real-world study of relapsed or refractory (R/R) IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, REZLIDHIA demonstrated a 60.8% complete response rate and a median response duration of 30.3 months, reinforcing its position as an effective treatment option.
- Future Treatment Strategies: The findings suggest that earlier sequencing of REZLIDHIA may optimize patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of strategic drug ordering in addressing the challenges faced by relapsed AML patients.
See More
Rigel Pharmaceuticals to Present at RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference
- Conference Presentation: Rigel Pharmaceuticals' CFO Dean Schorno will present a company overview at the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference on May 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET in New York, highlighting its innovative therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast and archived recording through the Investor Relations section of Rigel's website, ensuring they connect prior to the start of the live event for any necessary software downloads to enhance participation.
- Company Background: Founded in 1996 and based in South San Francisco, California, Rigel Pharmaceuticals focuses on discovering and developing novel therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, showcasing its expertise and market potential in the biotechnology sector.
- Investor Contact Information: Investors and media can reach out through the provided contact details for timely inquiries, ensuring transparency and effective communication, which strengthens the interaction between the company and its investors.
See More
Rigel Partners with Arvinas and Pfizer for Breast Cancer Treatment
- FDA Approval: Vepdegestrant, branded as Veppanu, received FDA approval earlier this month, becoming the only FDA-approved oral PROTAC therapy, which is expected to drive Rigel's cancer treatment portfolio expansion and enhance market competitiveness.
- Financial Gains from Agreement: Rigel will receive $70 million upfront and an additional $15 million upon completion of transition activities, along with potential future milestone payments of up to $320 million, significantly improving the company's financial outlook and investor confidence.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Rigel's shares surged over 15% following the announcement of the agreement, reflecting investor optimism regarding the new drug's market potential and indicating the company's growth prospects in oncology.
- Clinical Data Support: Veppanu demonstrated a 43% reduction in disease progression risk in Phase 3 studies, with a median progression-free survival of five months compared to 2.1 months for the comparator drug Fulvestrant, highlighting its significant therapeutic advantage.
See More
