Rigel to Present Research Programs at Scientific Conferences
2007-10-16 07:30 (New York)
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rigel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) today announced that its scientists will
be presenting three poster presentations at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International
Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in San Francisco,
October 22-26, 2007. They will highlight drug discovery efforts focused on
significant cancer targets including Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl), Polo-
like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2).
Axl kinase is a novel therapeutic target for solid tumors. Signaling via
Axl drives proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells. The data to
be presented shows that Axl inhibition may suppress tumor growth via multiple
mechanisms. Rigel has potent, small molecule, orally bioavailable Axl
inhibitors that show activity in reducing tumor growth and invasion in animal
models. One of Rigel's collaborators will also present on Axl at the AACR
Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research in San Diego, October
17-20, 2007.
Selective inhibition of PLK1 could be important in cancer treatment.
Rigel has discovered a new class of small molecule PLK1 inhibitors using its
image-based high content screening capabilities, which were previously used to
discover an Aurora Kinase inhibitor that is currently in clinical studies as a
potential cancer therapeutic.
Rigel's scientific team will also be presenting a poster at the
International Cytokine Society meeting, October 26-30, 2007 in San Francisco,
California.
Poster Presentation at AACR's Advances in Breast Cancer Research
Wednesday, October 17th, 8:00-10:00pm
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl regulates breast carcinoma cell
invasiveness
Session ID: Poster Session A
Abstract Number: 6186
Poster Presentations at the 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC Meeting
Tuesday, October 23rd, 12:30-2:30pm
Identification of Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors through phenotype-based
approaches
Session ID: Small Molecule Therapeutic Agents: Kinase Inhibitors
Abstract Number: A234
Wednesday, October 24th, 12:30-2:30pm
Novel small molecule inhibitors of the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase block
tumor growth
Session ID: Small Molecule Therapeutic Agents: Kinase Inhibitors
Abstract Number: B230
Wednesday, October 24th, 12:30-2:30pm
Selective inhibitors of JAK2 kinase as potential therapeutic agents
Session ID: Small Molecule Therapeutic Agents: Kinase Inhibitors
Abstract Number: B235
Poster Presentation at Cytokines 2007 Meeting
Saturday, October 27th, 5:30-7:30pm
A class of small molecules that inhibit TNFa-induced survival and death
pathways via prevention of interactions between TNFaRI, TRADD and RIP1
Session ID: Poster Session 1
Abstract Number: 46
About Rigel (www.rigel.com)
Rigel is a clinical-stage drug development company that discovers and
develops novel, small-molecule drugs for the treatment of
inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as viral and metabolic
diseases. Our goal is to file one new investigational new drug (IND)
application in a significant indication each year. Rigel has achieved this
goal every year since 2002. Our pioneering research focuses on intracellular
signaling pathways and related targets that are critical to disease
mechanisms. Rigel's productivity has resulted in strategic collaborations with
large pharmaceutical partners to develop and market our product candidates.
Rigel has product development programs in inflammatory/autoimmune diseases
such as rheumatoid arthritis, thrombocytopenia and asthma, as well as in
cancer. |
