Rigel's fostamatinib meets stage 1 endpoint in Phase II for hemolytic anemia

On Oct. 3, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:RIGL) reported preliminary data from 17 evaluable patients in stage 1 of the Phase II SOAR trial to treat warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia showing that twice-daily 150 mg fostamatinib met the stage 1 primary endpoint for advancing to stage 2 of the trial. Specifically, 4 patients responded during the 12-week treatment period and 2 additional patients responded during the extension period, for a response rate of 35%. A response was defined as achieving hemoglobin levels of >10 g/dL with a ≥2 g/dL increase from baseline.

Two patients had serious adverse events resulting in death: 1 with skin necrosis and infection and 1 elderly patient with pneumonia. Rigel said the study investigator determined the serious adverse events were not related to treatment with fostamatinib...