Galapagos NV has developed from a service target discovery company to a lead developing company. The ambition of Galapagos is to become a leading global biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines. The strategy underlying this ambition will be presented by CEO Onno van de Stolpe on the basis of the development and commercialization strategy of Filgotinib.
Discovered and developed by Galapagos using its target and drug discovery technology platform. In more than 1100 patient years of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease clinical study experience, filgotinib has shown a rapid onset of action, potentially best-in-class efficacy and to be safe and well tolerated. From regulatory perspective, filgotinib is an investigational agent and its safety and efficacy have not been officially established.
Phase 3 programs with filgotinib in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) will be initiated mid-2016.
In December 2015, Galapagos and Gilead entered into a global collaboration for the development and commercialization of filgotinib in inflammatory diseases. Pursuant to the agreement, the companies collaborate jointly on the global development of filgotinib starting with the initiation of Phase 3 trials in RA and Crohn's disease. Galapagos co-funds 20 percent of global development activities and Gilead is responsible for manufacturing and worldwide marketing and sales activities. Galapagos has the option to co-promote filgotinib in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, in which case the companies will share profits equally. If Galapagos exercises its option to co-promote in Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg, it will also book sales in these countries. Galapagos received an upfront license fee of $300 million and Gilead made a $425 million equity investment in Galapagos. Galapagos is eligible to receive further development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments up to $1.35 billion, plus tiered royalties on global sales starting at 20%, with the exception of the co-promotion territories, where profits will be shared equally. (Source Galapagos NV)