SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:RIGL) today announced that it will present three scientific posters at the American Association of Cancer Research meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana from April 16 - 20, 2016.  The posters will provide data from the company's preclinical research projects focused on the important oncology and immuno-oncology targets, IRAK, AMPK and MerTK. Rigel plans to partner select preclinical research programs in the future.

An overview of each project and the corresponding AACR presentation information follows:

IRAK
Rigel has an active IRAK preclinical research program aimed at understanding the role that certain inflammatory signals play in creating malignant changes in cells.  IRAKs are key components in the signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation in humans.  The company's researchers have identified a family of IRAK4 inhibitors that are potent regulators of the inflammatory signal and are being evaluated for their potential utility in treating hematological cancers.

Abstract #: 346
Presentation Title:  Potential role for R191, potent and selective IRAK4 kinase inhibitor, in treatment of hematological malignancies    
Presentation Date:  Sunday, April 17, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Section 17 
Poster Board #: 2

AMPK
AMPK is a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis and is an attractive research subject for its role in the metabolism of certain cancers, and other human diseases.  Rigel has identified several potent direct AMPK activators, and is evaluating their potential to selectively activate AMPK within certain cancer cells to make them susceptible to the destructive properties of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract #: 3021
Presentation Title: Development of small molecule direct AMPK activators for the treatment of cancer
Presentation Time: Tuesday, April 19, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Section 17
Poster Board #: 11

MerTK
Mer is a member of the TAM kinase family (Tyro3, AXL, Mer) known to provide tumor survival signals and support immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. Rigel's research on this family of receptor tyrosine kinases, also produced the AXL kinase inhibitor (R428/BGB324) currently in Phase 1 oncology studies with partner BerGenBio. The subject of the AACR presentation is the company's work with proprietary, orally delivered small molecules that block MerTK activity in vivo.  

Abstract #: 4869
Presentation Title:  Small molecule inhibitors of the anti-inflammatory TAM receptor MerTK
Presentation Time: Wednesday, April 20, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Section 22
Poster Board #: 10

About Rigel (www.rigel.com)
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel, targeted drugs in the therapeutic areas of immunology, oncology and immuno-oncology. Rigel's pioneering research focuses on signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. The company's current clinical programs include fostamatinib, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, which is in Phase 3 clinical trials for ITP; a Phase 2 clinical trial for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA); and a Phase 2 clinical trial for IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In addition, Rigel has two oncology product candidates in Phase 1 development with partners BerGenBio AS and Daiichi Sankyo.

Contact: Raul Rodriguez
Phone: 650.624.1302
Email: invrel@rigel.com

Media Contact: Susan C. Rogers, Rivily, Inc.
Phone: 650.430.3777
Email: susan@rivily.com

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SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.