Galapagos Achieves GSK Milestone

Galapagos NV has completed first-in-human trials with GLPG0555 in healthy volunteers in its arthritis alliance with GlaxoSmithKline. Galapagos also initiated Phase I development for a second drug candidate, GLPG0778, triggering a milestone payment of $9.6 million.

Initial Phase I results for GLPG0555 showed no changes in vital signs and lab parameters for dosing up to 14 consecutive days in healthy volunteers and the drug was well tolerated with no severe adverse events reported. In December 2010, Galapagos initiated a first-in-human trial for GLPG0778 in healthy volunteers. This drug candidate, which inhibits kinase target GT623, has demonstrated excellent activity and safety in biochemical and animal models, and has successfully completed preclinical development.

“We are pleased to report progress on candidate drugs in our arthritis alliance with GSK,” said Onno van de Stolpe, chief executive officer of Galapagos. “Today’s announcement increases our clinical rheumatoid arthritis portfolio to four candidate drugs, with a balanced risk profile of known and novel modes of action.”