Galapagos, Gilead join hands to develop filgotinib inflammatory drug

Filgotinib is a JAK1 inhibitor discovered and developed by Galapagos using its target and drug discovery technology platform. It has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s disease.

Gilead agreed to make an upfront payment of $725m in return for a 15% stake in Galapagos and a license for filgotinib.

Galapagos may also receive up to $1.35bn in milestones if several targets are met as well as royalties after the drug enters the market.

The $725m upfront payment will feature a $300m license payment and a $425m equity investment.

The companies will start their partnership with the initiation of phase 3 studies in RA. Galapagos will co-fund 20% of the worldwide development activities while Gilead will undertake manufacturing and global marketing and sales activities.

Galapagos has the option to co-promote filgotinib in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

If Galapagos decides to co-promote in Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg, it will also book sales in those countries.

The phase 3 trials in RA and Crohn’s disease will start in 2016 after negotiations with regulatory authorities.

Gilead executive vice president of research and development and chief scientific officer Norbert Bischofberger said: "This partnership represents an opportunity to add complementary clinical programs to our growing inflammation research and development efforts.

"We look forward to working with Galapagos to advance this program forward as quickly as possible."

Image: Phase 2 trial data shows that filgotinib has the potential to be an effective and well-tolerated oral therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Photo: courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.