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news.GlaxoSmithKline and genomics-based drug discovery firm Galapagos have entered into a worldwide, multi-program drug discovery and development alliance in the field of osteoarthritis.
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Galapagos and GSK, through its recently established Center of Excellence for External Drug Discovery (CEEDD), will collaborate to deliver disease modifying drugs with clinical proof of concept to GSK's global R&D organization.
The aim of this turnkey agreement is for Galapagos to expand its portfolio of novel validated targets in the field of osteoarthritis, to conduct compound screening, identify tractable hits, pursue a number of hit-to-lead programs, and develop the resulting leads into candidate selection compounds through to a successful proof of concept in clinical research phase IIa.
The overall strategy will be to identify genes that stimulate anabolic repair processes (chondrogenesis) and inhibit catabolic (breakdown) activity in affected joints.
GSK will have exclusive options to further develop and commercialize these compounds on a worldwide basis and Galapagos will have the right to further develop and commercialize compounds for which GSK does not exercise its option. Galapagos will contract a substantial part of the activities to its service division, BioFocus.
Under the terms of the agreement, Galapagos will receive an upfront technology access fee of E4 million from GSK. Upon successful completion of all agreed alliance program criteria, Galapagos stands to receive up to E65 million in success-based milestones for a successful drug development program.
In addition, Galapagos will receive up to double-digit royalties on commercial sales of alliance products. Further to the agreement, on the realization of a defined future milestone, GSK will make an equity investment of up to E3 million in Galapagos.
“As there are no therapies available that prevent or block the progression of osteoarthritis, the potential unmet need is substantial,” said Dr Maxine Gowen, senior vice president and head of GSK's CEEDD. “Through this combination of GSK's understanding of medical needs and Galapagos' innovation in drug discovery, we aim to bring new medicines to patients.”