The project is part of a research program sponsored by the Dutch government through SenterNovem and will combine the capabilities and know-how of TNO and Galapagos to develop protein technologies that will allow progression of the disease targets to the drug discovery stage. The collaboration will entail the development of expression systems, protein purification and protein activity methodologies.
“TNO is delighted to further expand its relationship with Galapagos,” said Renger Witkamp, Director Sales and Business Development Pharma. “Once more TNO’s proven track record in providing expertise and research services to the biotechnology industry has made us the partner of choice for such a knowledge-intensive project. The collaboration also fits well in our strategy to help expand the biotechnology sector in the Netherlands.”
“We are pleased to announce this collaboration with TNO,” said Onno van de Stolpe, Galapagos’ CEO. “We will gain access to specific expertise that will further strengthen our recent transition into a drug discovery company.”
About TNO portal Pharma
The TNO portal Pharma is a recognized partner for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and offers a broad array of tailor-made and value-creating expertise and services in the area of drug discovery and development. In addition to a complete GLP compliant portfolio in drug safety, bio-analysis and DMPK, its unique disease models are supported by expert teams of international scientific reputation. TNO offers top-level expertise in the following disease areas: cardiovascular, metabolic, bone / joint, infection and inflammation. Pharma is a portal of TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. Further information can be found on: www.tno.nl/kwaliteit_van_leven/markten/pharma/
About Galapagos
Galapagos is a genomics-based drug discovery company that has successfully discovered and validated novel targets in the bone and joint diseases – osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in asthma and Alzheimer’s disease. Proprietary targets and compounds resulting from these programs are used for Galapagos’ internal discovery programs, combined with selected out-licensing and partnering of projects during development. Galadeno, Galapagos’ services unit, provides reagents and functional screens to leading pharmaceutical, biotech and nutraceutical companies for rapid identification and validation of novel drug targets.
Galapagos currently employs 65 people, including 15 PhDs, and occupies facilities in Mechelen, Belgium, and in Leiden, The Netherlands. Partners include Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GSK, Vertex and Wyeth.
Galapagos was founded in 1999 by Crucell (Nasdaq, Euronext: CRXL) and Tibotec (now an affiliate of J&J) to exploit Crucell’s unique PER.C6® technology for target discovery. The shareholders include Abingworth Management, AlpInvest Partners, Apax Partners, Burrill & Company, Crucell and Tibotec-Virco.
Further information on Galapagos can be found on www.glpg.com.