Rigel and Pfizer join to fight respiratory diseases

The research and license collaboration is focused on Rigel’s preclinical small molecule compounds, which inhibit IgE receptor signaling in respiratory tract mast cells by blocking the signaling enzyme Syk kinase.

Under the terms of the agreement, the second research deal with Pfizer in this field, Rigel will receive an upfront cash payment, as well as milestone payments and royalties on any future product sales. Pfizer will make an equity investment in Rigel and will be responsible for the worldwide development and commercialization of any resulting products.

The collaboration does not include R112, Rigel’s lead Syk kinase inhibitor, which is being developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Rigel recently completed a successful phase II clinical study with R112 and is proceeding with the further clinical development in allergic rhinitis.

After further phase II clinical trials are completed, Pfizer will have a limited option to license R112 and Rigel’s Syk inhibitors in the allergic rhinitis field under different financial and other obligations.

“Inhibition of Syk kinase is a novel approach to reduce the chronic inflammation in patients with allergic diseases of the respiratory tract such as allergic asthma,” said Martin Mackay, senior vice president of worldwide research & technology for Pfizer. “We believe that the combination of Rigel’s novel small molecule approach and Pfizer’s drug development capabilities will allow us to progress new and important treatments for respiratory diseases.”