Galapagos Expands Arthritis Alliance With GSK

Galapagos has expanded its arthritis alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to include additional drug discovery programs based on novel drug target, GT622. As per the terms of the extension, Galapagos is expected to receive a payment of E6.5m cash from GSK and becomes eligible for additional success-based milestones and royalties.

Since the start of the alliance in June 2006, Galapagos has received a total of E41m in payments from GSK. The expanded arthritis alliance with GSK is now worth more than E200m in milestones, plus up to double-digit royalties.

Reportedly, both the companies have now broadened the alliance to include additional programs based on the novel drug target, GT622 and will focus research efforts on multiple arthritis indications. GSK has an exclusive option to further develop and commercialize compounds originating from these programs on a worldwide basis.

Earlier this month, Galapagos has delivered the first clinical candidate, GLPG0555, in its arthritis alliance with GSK. Galapagos developed GLPG0555 based on the arthritis target GT622, identified through Galapagos’ target discovery platform.

Based on the target’s positive mode of action, GSK and Galapagos have now expanded the scope of the GT622 program to increase the chances of developing a new medicine. Under the broadened alliance, Galapagos will apply its medicinal chemistry and biology expertise to develop additional candidate compounds against GT622.

Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of Galapagos, said: “With the candidate GLPG0555 in the clinic, this was the right moment to broaden the program and increase development efforts. Through the E6.5m payment and milestones for additional molecules ahead of us, this alliance is well financed and in excellent shape to progress novel arthritis candidate drugs into the clinic.”