Abbott and Galapagos Announce Global Collaboration

Abbott and Galapagos have announced that they have entered into a global collaboration to develop and commercialize an oral, next-generation JAK1 inhibitor in Phase II development with the potential to treat multiple autoimmune diseases.

GLPG0634 is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor that Galapagos is developing for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases.

The Janus kinases (JAK) are a family of enzymes that play a key role in the signaling mechanism used by a number of cytokines that are involved in autoimmune diseases.

In previously reported results from a 4-week Phase IIa study, GLPG0634 demonstrated efficacy measures among the best reported in RA.

All patients completed the study, and few experienced any side effects. No anemia, change in blood pressure or lipids were observed. An additional Phase IIa dose-range finding study with GLPG0634 is expected to begin shortly.

"The addition of this novel, oral compound offers patients the potential for advanced treatment options and an improved patient experience to address RA and other autoimmune diseases," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, global research and development, Abbott.

Leonard continued, "Abbott's expertise in immunology, combined with a robust portfolio of investigational treatments represents promising innovation across several areas of medical need."

"This collaboration with Abbott, the global leader in autoimmune diseases, is a great recognition of the value of GLPG0634. We view Abbott to be the best partner possible to deliver a complete clinical program and a powerful market introduction. We are excited to continue the phase II trials and expect to deliver to Abbott a complete Phase II package in 2014," said Onno van de Stolpe, chief executive officer, Galapagos.

Stolpe continued, "With GLPG0634 we have proven that we can deliver from target to clinical Proof of Concept, and we aim to do the same on many novel target programs in our pipeline. This collaboration is transformational for Galapagos, providing the means to progress these innovative products into the clinic."

Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will make an initial upfront payment of $150 million for rights related to the global collaboration.

Upon successful completion of the RA Phase II studies, Abbott will license the program for a one-time fee of $200 million if the studies meet certain pre-agreed criteria.

Abbott will assume sole responsibility for Phase III clinical development and global manufacturing.

Pending achievement of certain developmental, regulatory, commercial and sales-based milestones, Galapagos would be eligible to receive additional milestone payments from Abbott, potentially amounting to $1.0 billion, in addition to tiered double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization.

Galapagos retains co-promotion rights in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.