Galapagos subsidiary BioFocus signs agreement with Biogen Idec in scleroderma
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
* Identification and validation of novel targets in scleroderma
* Will leverage Galapagos' SilenceSelect(®) platform and unique human skin
models
Mechelen (Belgium); 12 November 2013 - Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced
today that its subsidiary BioFocus signed a 3-year collaboration agreement with
Biogen Idec focused on the identification and validation of novel targets in
scleroderma.
Galapagos' service division BioFocus will use its SilenceSelect(®) platform and
unique human skin models to deliver new assays and identify disease-modifying
targets in scleroderma to Biogen Idec. Under the terms of the agreement,
BioFocus will receive an upfront payment, FTE funding, and will be eligible to
receive success payments for target discovery milestones to be delivered by
BioFocus and development milestones achieved by Biogen Idec. The total value of
this collaboration to BioFocus could reach $31 million.
"We believe Galapagos has unique expertise with relevant human primary cells,
positioning them well to find new targets for disease-modifying therapies
against scleroderma," said Jo Viney, vice president of discovery sciences at
Biogen Idec.
"We welcome Biogen Idec to our client base and look forward to applying our
versatile target discovery engine to yet another new disease area with unmet
medical need," added David Smith, CEO Galapagos Services.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by hardening of the skin.
Patients with diffuse scleroderma also experience hardening of the organs, which
can be particularly disabling and also fatal. Scleroderma is found worldwide,
affecting 1 in 1000 in the United States, with women four times more likely than
men to develop the disease. The root causes of the disease are not well
understood, and there are no disease-modifying treatments.
About BioFocus
BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug
candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capabilities in
neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and rare and neglected
diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities
that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and pre-
clinical candidates. The company employs over 150 scientists at its research
centres in the UK and the Netherlands. For more information, visit us at
Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and at www.biofocus.com.
About Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action,
with a large pipeline of five Phase 2 (two led by GSK), one Phase 1, six pre-
clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic
fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications.
AbbVie and Galapagos signed an agreement in CF where they work collaboratively
to develop and commercialize oral drugs that address two mutations in the CFTR
gene, the G551D and F508del mutation. In the field of inflammation, AbbVie and
Galapagos signed a worldwide license agreement whereby AbbVie will be
responsible for further development and commercialization of GLPG0634 after
Phase 2B. GLPG0634 is an orally-available, selective inhibitor of JAK1 for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other inflammatory diseases,
currently in Phase 2B studies in RA and about to enter Phase 2 studies in
Crohn's disease. Galapagos has another selective JAK1 inhibitor in Phase 2 in
lupus and psoriasis, GSK2586184 (formerly GLPG0778, in-licensed by
GlaxoSmithKline in 2012). GLPG0974 is the first inhibitor of FFA2 to be
evaluated clinically for the treatment of IBD; this program is currently in a
Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 study. GLPG1205 is a first-in-class molecule that
targets inflammatory disorders and is currently in a First-in-Human Phase 1
study.
The Galapagos Group, including fee-for-service companies BioFocus, Argenta and
Fidelta, has around 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries,
with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. Further information at:
www.glpg.com
Contact
Galapagos NV
Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations
Tel: +31 6 2291 6240
ir(at)glpg.com
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Source: Galapagos NV via Thomson Reuters ONE
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Datum: 12.11.2013 - 07:30 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 315120
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Town:
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