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Rigel launches breast cancer drug Veppanu at $29,400 per month

August 13, 2026 8:05 AM

Rigel Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RIGL) announced that Veppanu (vepdegestrant) is now available by prescription in the United States for adults with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease progressed after at least one line of endocrine therapy.

The drug, priced at $29,400 per 30-day supply, is available through specialty distributors and specialty pharmacies in the United States and Puerto Rico. The recommended dose is 200 mg taken orally once daily.

The FDA approved Veppanu in May 2026. The agency describes it as the first approved drug in the PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) class, which works by degrading disease-causing proteins rather than inhibiting them.

Rigel holds an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Veppanu, acquired from Arvinas, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. in May 2026.

In a pivotal clinical trial, serious adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients, and fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1% of patients. The most common adverse reactions included decreased white blood cells, increased liver enzymes, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and nausea. The drug carries warnings for QTc interval prolongation and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Rigel said its patient support program, Rigel OneCare, will assist patients and physicians with insurance coverage and financial assistance where eligible.

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