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Alison L. Hannah
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for hematologic disorders and cancer, has appointed Alison L. Hannah, M.D., as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.
In connection with her appointment, Dr. Hannah has stepped down from Rigel's Board of Directors. She succeeds Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D., in the role.
Dr. Hannah brings extensive experience in clinical development and pharmaceutical leadership, positioning her to guide Rigel's clinical and regulatory strategy as the company advances its oncology and hematology pipeline. As Chief Medical Officer, she will oversee the company's clinical development programs and medical affairs initiatives.
One of Rigel's key priorities is the continued development of R2891, a potent and selective dual inhibitor of interleukin receptor-associated kinases 1 and 4 (IRAK1/4). The investigational therapy is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial assessing its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
The company reported that enrollment in the dose-expansion phase of the study is progressing as planned. Rigel expects to complete enrollment and determine the recommended Phase 2 dose during the second half of 2026, while preliminary data from the expansion phase are anticipated by the end of the year.
Beyond the ongoing MDS study, Rigel is also evaluating additional therapeutic indications for R2891 to broaden its clinical development program. The company plans to provide further updates on these expansion efforts later this year as it continues to strengthen its pipeline under Dr. Hannah's medical leadership.
