Galapagos Genomics and Procter & Gamble Extend Target Validation Collaboration

Mechelen, Belgium, September 3, 2002. Galapagos Genomics NV, the Belgian functional genomics company, today announced that it has broadened its functional genomics collaboration with Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&GP), a division of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), in which P&GP will use the Galapagos’ adenoviral gene expression technology to validate the utility of genes as novel drug targets in endocrinology, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases. This new agreement will serve as an extension to the collaboration the parties entered into in October 2001.

Under the terms of the agreement, Galapagos will provide P&GP with adenoviruses containing human genes selected by P&GP. Galapagos will construct these viral expression vectors using its PhenoSelect® gene expression platform. P&GP will use the viruses to introduce and express newly discovered genes in disease relevant human cells to study the function of the corresponding proteins. Financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased that P&GP has decided to further expand our current relationship.” said Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of Galapagos. “This new collaboration again proves the power of the Galapagos adenoviral expression platform for cost-effective and rapid target identification and validation applications.”

“Galapagos has successfully executed the initial contract and the adenoviruses have helped us validating our proprietary targets” said Dr. Larry Games, Procter & Gamble Vice President, Research and Development, Global Pharmaceuticals. “We are pleased to broaden our collaboration with Galapagos, and will use their PhenoSelect technology to assist in the invention of important new therapeutic agents.”

Galapagos Genomics is a privately held company headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium. The Company has built a functional genomics platform using arrayed adenoviruses containing human genes. It's PhenoSelect libraries are in a format that enable high-throughput screening using cellular assays. Galapagos is using its technology platform for the discovery and validation of proprietary drug targets and for partnering with biotech and pharma. It’s proprietary research programs focus on Alzheimer, bone diseases and Psoriasis. The Company currently employs 85 people, including 22 PhD's, and occupies a 15,000 sq.f. research and production facility in Mechelen, with additional research laboratories in Leiden, The Netherlands. In addition to Procter&Gamble, Galapagos’ current partners include Bayer, Euroscreen, Exelixis, Incyte Genomics, Organon, Pharmacia, Vertex and UCB. The shareholders are Abingworth Management, Apax Partners, Burrill & Company, NIB Capital Private Equity, Crucell Holland BV (Nasdaq, Euronext: CRXL) and Tibotec-Virco NV. Galapagos' web address is www.galapagosgenomics.com.

Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals is a part of Procter & Gamble Health Care, a division of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG - news) - a $40 billion global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of a broad range of consumer goods. In prescription drugs, P&GP is focusing in the area of endocrinology, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as anti-infective therapies. Some of P&G's leading prescription products include Actonel® (risedronate sodium tablets), Didronel® (etidronate disodium), Asacol® (mesalamine) and Macrobid® (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals). The Company’s web address is www.pg.com.

Contact details:
Galapagos Genomics
Onno van de Stolpe
CEO
Phone: +32 15 342 900

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