RIGEL PLANS TO LAUNCH FALL ALLERGY STUDY

Rigel plans to launch a midstage clinical trial in the third quarter to test its lead allergy medication.

The company said it plans to begin the 375-patient trial to coincide with the summer and fall pollen season.

Rigel's treatment, known as R112, is designed to treat allergic rhinitis, or chronic congestion and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The condition affects more than 59 million people in the U.S. In the trial, the company hopes to pit R112 against a placebo and against a nasal steroid over a seven-day period. Rigel expects to assemble data from the study by the fourth quarter.