Galapagos is developing its novel mechanism of action, first-in-class candidate drug GLPG0259 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is the first small molecule from Galapagos’ target discovery platform to enter the clinic. GLPG0259 targets protein kinase MAPKAPK5, which represents a new approach for the treatment of RA. Results from the first Phase I study for this candidate drug demonstrated good safety in healthy volunteers and a profile that supports once-daily oral dosing. Galapagos is on-track to complete Phase I trials by the end of 2009 and plans to initiate a Phase IIa efficacy study in 2010.

In October 2007, Galapagos entered into a worldwide multi-target alliance with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, to discover and develop novel small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of RA.

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