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Abbott and Galapagos Announce Global Collaboration for Novel Oral Therapy, GLPG0634, in Phase II to Treat Autoimmune Diseases
Abbott Park, Illinois and Mechelen, Belgium; 29 February 2012 - Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that they have entered into a global collaboration to develop and commercialize an oral, next-generation JAK1 inhibitor in Phase II development with the potential to treat multiple autoimmune diseases.
GLPG0634 is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor that Galapagos is developing for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. The Janus kinases (JAK) are a family of enzymes that play a key role in the signaling mechanism used by a number of cytokines that are involved in autoimmune diseases. In previously reported results from a 4-week Phase IIa study, GLPG0634 demonstrated efficacy measures among the best reported in RA. All patients completed the study, and few experienced any side effects. No anemia, change in blood pressure or lipids were observed. An additional Phase IIa dose-range finding study with GLPG0634 is expected to begin shortly.
"The addition of this novel, oral compound offers patients the potential for advanced treatment options and an improved patient experience to address RA and other autoimmune diseases," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, global research and development, Abbott. "Abbott's expertise in immunology, combined with a robust portfolio of investigational treatments represents promising innovation across several areas of medical need."
"This collaboration with Abbott, the global leader in autoimmune diseases, is a great recognition of the value of GLPG0634. We view Abbott to be the best partner possible to deliver a complete clinical program and a powerful market introduction. We are excited to continue the phase II trials and expect to deliver to Abbott a complete Phase II package in 2014," said Onno van de Stolpe, chief executive officer, Galapagos. "With GLPG0634 we have proven that we can deliver from target to clinical Proof of Concept, and we aim to do the same on many novel target programs in our pipeline. This collaboration is transformational for Galapagos, providing the means to progress these innovative products into the clinic."
Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will make an initial upfront payment of $150 million for rights related to the global collaboration. Upon successful completion of the RA Phase II studies, Abbott will license the program for a one-time fee of $200 million if the studies meet certain pre-agreed criteria. Abbott will assume sole responsibility for Phase III clinical development and global manufacturing. Pending achievement of certain developmental, regulatory, commercial and sales-based milestones, Galapagos would be eligible to receive additional milestone payments from Abbott, potentially amounting to $1.0 billion, in addition to tiered double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization. Galapagos retains co-promotion rights in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Galapagos will hold an audio webcast presentation for journalists, analysts, and investors today at 4 pm CET/10 am Eastern US/7 am Pacific US, viewable at www.glpg.com .
Call numbers:
Belgium 0800 50747
Netherlands 0800 265 8528
US 1-877-941-6009
Other countries +32 2290 1608 or +31 20 794 8504
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is a mid-size biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule and antibody therapies with novel modes-of-action. The Company is progressing GLPG0634 through Phase II and has one of the largest pipelines in biotech, with four programs in development and over 50 discovery programs. The Galapagos Group has about 800 employees and operates facilities in six countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. More info at: www.glpg.com
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott:
Media: Adelle Infante, +1-847-224-0359
Investors: Larry Peepo, +1-847-935-6722
Galapagos NV
Onno van de Stolpe, CEO
Tel: +31 6 2909 8028
Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations
Tel: +31 6 2291 6240
ir@glpg.com
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