Rigel Launches VEPPANU as First FDA-Approved PROTAC Therapy
Patients battling advanced breast cancer with ESR1 mutations now have access to a new class of medication, as Rigel Pharmaceuticals begins the U.S. rollout of VEPPANU. The drug serves as the first-ever FDA-approved PROTAC, a technology designed to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins rather than simply inhibiting their function.
The rollout targets adult patients with ER+/HER2-, ESR1-mutated metastatic breast cancer who have already undergone at least one line of endocrine therapy. Priced at $29,400 for a 30-day supply, the oral treatment works by harnessing the body’s natural machinery to break down proteins that drive tumor growth.
Rigel president and CEO Raul Rodriguez noted that the drug demonstrated meaningful improvement in progression-free survival compared to traditional fulvestrant treatments during clinical trials. The medication is now available through a network of specialty pharmacies in the United States and Puerto Rico. To support patient access, the company has implemented the RIGEL ONECARE program, which assists with insurance navigation and financial aid for eligible individuals.
Safety remains a priority for clinicians, as the drug carries warnings regarding potential QTc interval prolongation and embryo-fetal toxicity. Physicians are advised to monitor patients with ECG tests and manage electrolyte levels carefully. Rigel, which secured the global license for the therapy from Arvinas and Pfizer earlier this year, is positioning the launch as a cornerstone of its oncology growth strategy.
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