Galapagos NV announced today progress achieved in its
arthritis alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Galapagos completed
first-in-human trials with GLPG0555 in healthy volunteers. Galapagos also
initiated clinical Phase I development for a second candidate drug, GLPG0778,
which triggered a milestone payment of EUR7.4 million.
Initial Phase I results for the first candidate drug in the alliance,
GLPG0555, showed no changes in vital signs and laboratory parameters for dosing
up to 14 consecutive days in healthy volunteers. GLPG0555 was well tolerated
with no severe adverse events reported.
In late December 2010, Galapagos initiated a first-in-human trial for
GLPG0778, which is being conducted in healthy volunteers over the coming months.
This second candidate drug, which inhibits kinase target GT623, has demonstrated
excellent activity and safety in biochemical and animal models, and has
successfully completed pre-clinical development.
“We are pleased to report progress on candidate drugs in our arthritis
alliance with GSK,” said Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of Galapagos. “Today’s
announcement increases our clinical rheumatoid arthritis portfolio to four
candidate drugs, with a balanced risk profile of known and novel modes of
action.”
