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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