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22-05-2025
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Rigel Announces Poster Presentations at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting and EHA2025 Congress
Final data from the GAVRETO® (pralsetinib) Phase 1/2 ARROW study in RET fusion-positive NSCLC and other solid tumors Supportive data for REZLIDHIA® (olutasidenib) utilization in patients with mIDH1 R/R AML SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL), a commercial stage biotechnology company focused on hematologic disorders and cancer, today announced seven upcoming poster presentations at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and European Hematology Association (EHA) 2025 Congress. The ASCO Annual Meeting is being held in Chicago, Illinois and virtually from May 30 to June 3, 2025. The EHA2025 Congress is being held in Milan, Italy and virtually from June 12 to June 15, 2025. Rigel's poster presentations will include data for GAVRETO® (pralsetinib) for the treatment of metastatic rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including final data from the Phase 1/2 ARROW study, and REZLIDHIA® (olutasidenib) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (mIDH1) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). "We look forward to several posters highlighting the strength of our hematology and oncology product portfolio at ASCO and EHA, including the final efficacy and safety data from the Phase 1/2 ARROW study of GAVRETO. The study data continue to demonstrate GAVRETO's clinically meaningful and durable responses in patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC, regardless of prior therapies, with a manageable safety profile. The study also showed promising anti-tumor activity in patients with various RET fusion-positive solid tumors, suggesting the potential for GAVRETO to address these unmet needs," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "In addition, the collective data being presented on REZLIDHIA support its duration of response and potential clinical benefit when used in earlier lines of treatment for R/R AML patients and in primary refractory patients who are traditionally difficult to treat." ASCO Annual Meeting abstracts may be accessed online via Details of the poster presentations are as follows: ASCO Poster Presentations Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm CTAbstract #: 8644Title: Efficacy and Safety of Pralsetinib in Patients with Advanced RET-fusion-positive NSCLC: Final Data from the Phase 1/2 ARROW StudyPresenter: Gilberto de Lima Lopes, M.D., MBA Final top-line efficacy and safety in RET fusion-positive NSCLC patients produced clinically meaningful and durable responses regardless of prior therapies, with a manageable safety profile. These results support the findings in previously published results, with a longer follow up period. Overall response rate (ORR) was 70.3% and median duration of response (DOR) was 19.1 months in the measurable disease population (n=259). In the efficacy population (n=281), median overall survival (OS) was 44.3 months with median follow up of 47.6 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.1 months overall but was longer in the United States (25.9 months) vs. Asia (12.6 months) or Europe (12.9 months). Sunday, June 1, 2025, 9:00am to 12:00pm CTAbstract #: 6545Title: A Phase 2 Study of Olutasidenib in Relapsed/Refractory AML: Outcomes by Number of Prior Treatment RegimensPresenter: Eunice S. Wang, M.D. A post-hoc analysis of the pivotal cohort from the Phase 1/2 study evaluated outcomes in patients with R/R mIDH1 AML who received olutasidenib after either 1-2 or ≥3 prior lines of therapy. Patients in the 1-2 prior regimens group showed higher ORR and complete response (CR) / complete response with hematologic improvement (CRh) rates and longer median OS than those with ≥3 prior lines of therapy, providing a rationale for initiating olutasidenib earlier in the R/R treatment paradigm. Abstract #: 6546Title: Matching-adjusted Indirect Comparison (MAIC) of Olutasidenib and Ivosidenib in IDH1-mutated Relapsed/Refractory AMLPresenter: Justin M. Watts, M.D. In the absence of a head-to-head trial, a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) analysis compared relative treatment effects of olutasidenib vs. ivosidenib in mIDH1 R/R AML, leveraging registrational data for olutasidenib and ivosidenib to match patients using key baseline clinical variables. Naïve and adjusted rates of response for olutasidenib vs. ivosidenib were comparable (adjusted point estimate favored olutasidenib for CR and ivosidenib for CR+CRh), while a longer duration of CR+CRh was observed with olutasidenib. Adjusted OS was similar between the two groups, although the hazard ratio (HR) favored olutasidenib. Results rely on the assumption of no unmeasured confounders, which reflects a limitation of the methodology. Monday, June 2, 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm CTAbstract #: 3116Title: Efficacy and Safety of Pralsetinib in RET Fusion-positive Solid Tumors: Final Data from the ARROW TrialPresenter: Vivek Subbiah, M.D. Final results from the Phase 2 portion of ARROW in patients with RET fusion-positive solid tumors other than NSCLC and thyroid cancer showed an ORR of 46.4% (13/28), including an ORR for pancreatic cancer of 100% (5/5). Overall, 10.7% (3/28) achieved complete response (pancreatic cancer, n=2; cancer of unknown primary, n=1) and 35.7% (10/28) achieved partial response. Median PFS was 7 months and median DOR was 11.1 months. Median OS was 10.3 months. Pralsetinib demonstrated robust and durable anti-tumor activity, with responses observed in many tumor types. These data validate RET fusions as a tissue-agnostic target with sensitivity to RET inhibition and activity beyond NSCLC and thyroid cancer, further supporting the promising potential of pralsetinib to address the unmet medical need in these patients. EHA2025 Congress abstracts may be accessed online via the EHA Library. Details of the poster presentations and publications are as follows: EHA Poster Presentations Friday, June 13, 2025, Time 18:30 to 19:30 CESTAbstract #: PF511Title: Efficacy and Safety of Olutasidenib Monotherapy in Primary Refractory AML: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase 2 StudyPresenter: Antonio Curti, M.D., Ph.D. In the pivotal cohort of R/R AML patients, 46 were primary refractory to first line treatment or subsequent induction therapy. With olutasidenib therapy, the ORR was 50% (23/46) and 30% (14/46) achieved a CR/CRh, with a mediation duration of CR/CRh of 17.6 months. The most commonly occurring treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were nausea (41%), vomiting (30%), and an increase in white blood cells (30%), with no new safety signals observed. Olutasidenib as a single agent demonstrated clinically meaningful activity and a durable response in patients with primary refractory AML, with an acceptable tolerability profile, suggesting it may be an effective therapeutic option for this patient population with a traditionally poor prognosis. Abstract #: PF516Title: Effect of Mutation Type and Co-mutations on Response to Olutasidenib in Patients With R/R Mutated IDH1 AMLPresenter: Stéphane de Botton, M.D., Ph.D. In the final five-year analysis of the registrational trial, mutational analysis showed durable responses across IDH1-R132 mutation types, particularly in the absence of RTK pathway co-mutations. Response rates were lower in patients with ≥4 co-mutations. Results show that it is possible for patients with deleterious co-mutations (i.e., FLT3, TP53, etc.) to respond favorably to olutasidenib, although the sample sizes are small for some co-mutations. Abstract #: PF530Title: Olutasidenib as Maintenance Therapy after Treatment Response in Mutated IDH1 Acute Myeloid LeukemiaPresenter: Andrew H. Wei, MBBS, Ph.D. In a separate cohort (n=18) of the Phase 2 trial, olutasidenib was evaluated as maintenance therapy in patients who achieved minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive CR or CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) with prior treatment. The 4-month relapse-free survival (RFS) was 83% with a median RFS of 18.4 months. At 12 months, RFS was 71% and OS was 89%. RFS at 2 years was 48%. Two patients who had received prior venetoclax therapy entered with a CRi, improved to a CRh and ultimately a CR during the study. Most common treatment-emergent AEs were fatigue (33%), headache (33%) and nausea (28%), with no new safety signals. Olutasidenib as a single agent demonstrated clinically meaningful activity as a maintenance strategy in a subset of AML patients with CR/CRi and persistent MRD ≥0.01% after prior therapy. The analysis supports the potential benefit of switching to olutasidenib upon response to therapy. EHA Publications Abstract #: PB2499Title: Comparative Effectiveness of Olutasidenib and Ivosidenib in mIDH1 Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Post-Venetoclax: Insights From 2102-HEM-101 and a Real-World External ControlAuthors: Catherine Lai, M.D., MPH, Thomas Leahy, Ph.D., CStat, Alex Turner, Ph.D., Amber Thomassen, AGNP-BC, AOCNP, Lixia Wang, Ph.D., Aaron D. Sheppard, Ph.D., Jorge E. Cortes, M.D. Abstract #: PB2492Title: A Phase 2 Study of Olutasidenib in Relapsed/Refractory AML: Outcomes by Number of Prior Treatment RegimensAuthors: Eunice S. Wang, M.D., Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Andrew H. Wei, M.D., Stéphane de Botton, M.D., Ph.D., Antonio Curti, M.D., Ph.D., Pau Montesinos, M.D., Ph.D., Karen W.L. Yee, M.D., Joseph G. Jurcic, M.D., William B. Donnellan, M.D., Jay Yang, M.D., Brian A. Jonas, M.D., Ph.D., Aaron D. Sheppard, Ph.D., Hua Tian, M.D., Justin M. Watts, M.D. Abstract #: PB2528Title: Matching-adjusted Indirect Comparison (MAIC) of Olutasidenib (OLU) and Ivosidenib (IVO) in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1)-mutated Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) AMLAuthors: Brian A. Jonas, M.D., Ph.D., Justin M. Watts, M.D., Eunice S. Wang, M.D., Florence R. Wilson, MSc, Julie Park, MMath, Shannon Cope, MSc, Aaron D. Sheppard, Ph.D., Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Stéphane de Botton, M.D., Ph.D. About NSCLCIt is estimated that over 226,000 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common type accounting for 85-90% of all lung cancer diagnoses.1 RET fusions are implicated in approximately 1-2% of patients with NSCLC.2 About AMLAcute 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 22,010 new cases in the United States, most in adults, in 2025.3 Relapsed AML affects about half of all patients who, following treatment and remission, experience a return of leukemia cells in the bone marrow.4,5 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.6 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 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. Click here for Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information. To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). About REZLIDHIA® INDICATIONREZLIDHIA 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 SyndromeREZLIDHIA 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. HepatotoxicityREZLIDHIA 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 REACTIONSThe 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. LACTATIONAdvise women not to breastfeed during treatment with REZLIDHIA and for 2 weeks after the last dose. GERIATRIC USENo 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 IMPAIRMENTIn patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, closely monitor for increased probability of differentiation syndrome. Click here for Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING. To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). GAVRETO and REZLIDHIA are registered trademarks of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. About RigelRigel 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 The American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer. Revised January 16, 2025. Accessed March 31, 2025: 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/ The American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Revised March 4, 2025. Accessed March 31, 2025: Patel, A, et al. Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Who Relapse After 5 Years of Complete Remission. 2021 Sep 7;28(7):811-814. doi: Thol F, Ganser, A. Treatment of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr. Treat. Options on Oncol. (2020) 21: 66. doi: 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: Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the potential for the referenced clinical trials or trial results to strengthen our commercial portfolio, GAVRETO's success in treating both RET fusion-positive NSCLC and RET fusion-positive solid tumors, and the benefit of REZLIDHIA as an earlier line treatment for R/R AML. 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 "anticipates", "plan", "outlook", "potential", "may", "look to", "expects", "will", "initial", "promising", 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 and 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 most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and subsequent filings, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. 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.650.624.1232ir@ Media:David RosenArgot View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RNZ News
03-05-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
Puanga to take starring role at this year's Matariki celebrations
Puanga and Matariki pictured above Ruapehu. Photo: Supplied/Richie Mills and NAIA Limited. The theme for this year's Matariki holiday is 'Matariki mā Puanga' highlighting the communities who observe the star Puanga in their astronomical traditions Puanga is the star Rigel, the brightest star in the Orion constellation. In the late autumn and early winter night sky Matariki is seen below Puanga and to the left of Tautoru (the three stars of Orion's Belt). While it is visible throughout the year, Puanga becomes especially prominent in the evening sky towards the end of autumn and in the predawn sky during the first month of the Māori new year. Puanga will feature at this year's nationally broadcast hautapu ceremony hosted by Ngāti Rangi at the base of Ruapehu. Ngāti Rangi spokesperson and leading Puanga expert Che Wilson said it was an honour for the iwi to host the ceremony and to be a part of the work that has been done over the past few years by Professor Rangi Mātāmua and all the host iwi - from Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Toa to Te Arawa and last year Ngāi Tahu. Traditional stories related to Puanga are shared across many iwi across Aotearoa but are prominent on the western side of Te Ika a Maui, including among the iwi of Taranaki, Whanganui and Rangitīkei. The North Island's main divide of the Tararua, Ruahine and Kaimanawa ranges separates the island's weather systems so Puanga gives iwi on the western side a better read on how to prepare for the year ahead, Wilson said. "The reason we look to Puanga isn't because we can't see Matariki, there are parts of the region where you can't, but actually the reason we look to Puanga is because Puanga gives us a better read for the weather on the west coast," he said. Wilson said traditionally iwi on the west coast would start to observe changes in the weather during autumn, while the months around Matariki were a time to wānanga, to meet and deliberate. "The thing is that Puanga and Matariki aren't that different, a lot of it is nuance. We do have a separate ceremony done the month before called Te Maru o te Tau where we send all of our mate with the setting sun to the pō, and that's when we call out our names." Matariki and Puanga have always gone together in karakia, Wilson said. They also look to other celestial bodies such as the Southern Cross, Atutahi (Canopus) and Rehua (Antares). "In our karakia we acknowledge Matariki during the mate, as we acknowledge those that have passed, because they become part of te huihui o Matariki. So that's our reference to Matariki but the remainder of the ceremony is actually focussed in on looking at Puanga." Wilson said it was a beautiful thing that New Zealand is starting to recognise both Matariki and Puanga. "It's a chance for everybody to go out and send intention to whoever you may call your atua and to make that connection to nature, to the environment." Wilson said this year's hautapu ceremony will differ slightly from those broadcast in previous years. After the opening of the ceremony the next step is te tākiritanga o ngā mate, invoking those people who have died in the last year, he said. "We don't call out our mate but we then invoke them to transition to become stars." Next is the hautapu proper, the offering of food. But Wilson said instead of offering food to the stars they are offered to four atua or deities, Tāne, Tangaroa, Rongo and Maru. "So we give to atua rather than stars, though those atua are also shown in the sky at that time." The last part of the ceremony is the whakapūmautanga, where a pou or post is placed into the ground. Wilson said those reciting the karakia bind the pou with intention as they "commit ourselves to our tūpuna, to our atua and to nature." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Al Etihad
12-03-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi observatory captures images of a 'witch head' nebula
9 Mar 2025 22:37 REDDY (ABU DHABI)An Abu Dhabi-based observatory has captured an enchanting image of a uniquely shaped nebula, estimated to be 900 light years from Earth. Al Khatim Observatory, located in the desert between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, achieved this after 39 hours of Director Mohammad Odeh told Aletihad this 'reflection' nebula is situated in the Eridanus constellation, near the famous star Rigel, one of the brightest stars in the sky. The nebula consists of interstellar gas and dust that reflect Rigel's light, giving it a distinct blue appearance.'The nebula's unique shape, resembling a witch's face with a long nose, is a result of interactions between strong stellar winds and radiation from Rigel, which sculpt the gas clouds into their distinctive form,' Odeh said. 'It was one of the most difficult objects captured by the observatory as their mission was marred by aerial pollution,' Odeh witch head nebula belongs to a category known as reflection nebulae, which do not emit light on their own; rather, they reflect light from a nearby 'bright' star. This category of nebulae is very difficult to access for observation, Odeh other type of nebulae, known as emission nebulae, shine on their own, and their atoms are 'excited' by a nearby 'hot' star, leading to self-illumination. This category of nebulae is relatively easy to spot and capture with light pollution filters on the camera, Odeh winter and summer are good times for observing and capturing nebulae, Odeh said. 'But springtime can be difficult for astronomers to capture this unique celestial phenomenon.'When asked about this witch-shaped nebula, he said it usually would have taken 10 days, with an average of four or five hours each day, to capture this image. But with skies not being clear, it took us nearly a month to capture this uniquely shaped nebula, he added.A nebula, which is nothing but gas and cosmic dust, can be a result of the explosion of a star. It could also be the start of the formation of a new star, the astronomer said. Usually, emission nebulae are the precursors of a new star, he said. Al Khatim Observatory is a fully remote and robotic observatory operated by the International Astronomical Center and was established in January 2021. It is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Abu Dhabi. It is registered with the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Stunning image of Witch Head Nebula captured in Abu Dhabi
A mesmerising image of the Witch Head Nebula, scientifically known as IC 2118, was captured by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi. The stunning photo, taken after an intense nearly 39-hour imaging session, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of this distant cosmic wonder. Located approximately 900 light years away in the Eridanus constellation, the Witch Head Nebula is a reflection nebula — an interstellar cloud of gas and dust that reflects the light of a nearby star. In this case, the star Rigel, one of the brightest in our night sky, serves as the illuminating source. The nebula's iconic blue hue comes from the light of Rigel, whose intense radiation and stellar winds interact with the surrounding gas and dust, creating a distinctive glow. The Witch Head Nebula's intriguing shape, which resembles the face of a witch with a long, pointed nose, is the result of these powerful stellar forces sculpting the gas clouds. The nebula is believed to contain star-forming regions, with studies suggesting evidence of new stars forming within it. Capturing this stunning image wasn't an easy feat. The observatory team spent 38.6 hours collecting 463 separate photographs, each lasting five minutes. The team used a 5-inch telescope equipped with a color camera and a light pollution filter, all while battling the challenges posed by a light pollution level of Bortle 6 at their observation site
Arabian Business
05-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Al Seer Marine adds future-ready Tabit and Rigel MR tankers to its fleet
Abu Dhabi-based Al Seer Marine has taken delivery of Tabit and Rigel, the final two vessels in its series of six new-build and future-ready Medium Range (MR) tankers. Built by K Shipbuilding Korea, the two vessels comply with strict environmental regulations while meeting global demand for clean petroleum and chemical transport. They feature Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) and are ready for future alternative fuels like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), ammonia, and methanol. Al Seer Marine's latest vessels The delivery of Tabit and Rigel was financed through a partnership with BOCOM Financial Leasing (BOCOM Leasing), a subsidiary of the Bank of Communications. This was the third financing agreement between Al Seer Marine and BOCOM Leasing, who provided AED257.25 million ($70 million) for this investment. It brings BOCOM's total investment commitment to AED845.2 million ($230 million). Tabit and Rigel, with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 49,853.6 tons and 49,781.8 tons respectively, are classified as IMO II/III oil and chemical tankers. They are engineered for optimal global operations, carrying up to six fully segregated grades of cargo. Tabit has secured AED170 million ($46 million) time charter with HMM Company for a five-year term. Rigel has been delivered to AED157 million ($42.8 million) time charter with Global Horizon Shipping, bringing the total value of the six charters to AED957 million ($260.4 million). Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, commented: 'Our strong financial performance in 2024, with over AED1.28 billion ($348.9 million) in revenue and AED107 million ($29.2 million) in operational profits, has made Al Seer Marine a trusted partner for forward-thinking investors locally and globally. 'The partnership with BOCOM Leasing is a testament to the confidence in our vision and operational strength. With the delivery of Tabit and Rigel, the first phase of our CPP fleet expansion is now complete. With six new MR tankers fully operational and chartered, it positions Al Seer Marine for sustained revenue growth in the years ahead.' The addition of Tabit and Rigel bring Al Seer Marine's fleet size to 16, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers, crude and product tankers, Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), Medium Range (MR) tankers, and bulk carriers. The company operates two LPG tankers with a capacity of approximately 22,700 DWT, and three VLCCs, each exceeding 300,000 DWT. It has seven MR tankers, each with capacities close to 49,800 DWT, and a bulk carrier with a capacity of 37,314 DWT. Al Seer Marine also owns two Very Large Gas Tankers (VLGC) through ABGC DMCC, a joint venture with BGN Int DMCC. The joint venture is expanding its capabilities with three newbuild Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) expected by 2026, each boasting a capacity of over 51,000 DWT.
