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
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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: 35.250
Low
38.00
Averages
51.50
High
69.00
Current: 35.250
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 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.
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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.
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