•
Galapagos to discover small molecule candidate drugs for
pre-clinical development in atherosclerosis
• Total alliance milestones more than double to over
€400 million, plus royalties on worldwide sales
Mechelen,
Belgium 14 October 2009 - Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG)
announced today that it has expanded its global strategic
alliance in metabolic diseases with an affiliate of Merck
& Co., Inc to incorporate the development of new therapies
for atherosclerosis.
Galapagos
will be responsible for the discovery and pre-clinical development
of new small molecule candidate drugs based on novel Galapagos
targets. The alliance will make use of Galapagos’
proprietary target discovery platform for identification
of novel targets in atherosclerosis, as well as in obesity
and diabetes. After validation, targets will be selected
by a joint steering committee and entered into screening
and chemistry by Galapagos. Merck will have an exclusive
option to license in each candidate for clinical development
and commercialization on a worldwide basis. Upon exercise
of such option, Merck will be responsible for the development
and commercialization of the candidate drug. Galapagos may
execute Phase I clinical studies and will have the right
to further develop and commercialize certain compounds for
which Merck does not exercise its exclusive option.
In
January 2009, Galapagos announced an alliance with Merck
in diabetes and obesity, with milestone payments with the
potential to exceed €170 million. Under the terms of
this expanded agreement, that now includes small molecule
candidate drugs for pre-clinical development in atherosclerosis,
Galapagos is eligible to receive research, regulatory and
sales milestone payments that may total in excess of €400
million. In addition Galapagos is eligible to receive royalties
upon commercialization of any products covered under the
agreement.
The
expansion announced today is separate from Galapagos’
alliance with Merck in inflammatory diseases announced in
April 2009.
“We are pleased to expand our relationship with Merck,
a highly synergetic and decisive partner in the metabolic
and inflammation alliances,” said Onno van de Stolpe,
CEO. “Today’s expansion into atherosclerosis
fits very well into our strategy of leveraging the novelty
coming out of Galapagos’ R&D approach.”
"Merck's
extended collaboration with Galapagos underscores our ongoing
commitment to identifying novel therapeutic targets for
fighting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases," said
Catherine Strader, Vice President, External Basic Research,
Merck Research Laboratories.
About
atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, commonly referred to as hardening of the
arteries, involves the thickening of the artery walls as
a result of the build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis is considered the most common underlying
cause of strokes, heart attacks, and most cardiovascular
diseases in general, including congestive heart failure.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicines. Global
sales of cardiovascular drugs exceeded $95 billion in 2008,
making it the largest therapeutic area worldwide. Current
research is focused on reducing side effects and costs for
new atherosclerosis therapies.
About
Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is a drug discovery
and development company with small molecule programs in
bone and joint diseases, bone metastasis, cachexia, anti-infectives,
atherosclerosis, and metabolic diseases. It has established
risk sharing alliances with GSK, Janssen Pharmaceutica,
Eli Lilly and Merck & Co., Inc. Through an alliance
with MorphoSys, Galapagos is also developing new antibody
therapies in bone and joint diseases. Its division BioFocus
offers a full suite of target-to-drug discovery products
and services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies and
to patient foundations, encompassing target discovery and
validation, screening and drug discovery through to delivery
of pre-clinical candidates. Galapagos currently employs
495 people and operates facilities in six countries, with
global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. More info at:
www.glpg.com
CONTACT
Galapagos
NV
Onno van de Stolpe, CEO
Tel: +31 6 2909 8028
ir@glpg.com
This release may contain forward-looking statements,
including, without limitation, statements containing the
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“expects,” “intends,” “plans,”
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“will,” “could,” “stands to,”
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