Abbott and Galapagos enter into global collaboration to develop inhibitor for anti-immune diseases

March 2, 2012

ABBOTT Laboratories recently announced that the company and Galapagos, a mid-size biotechnology company, 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.

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.

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, or 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.

“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. “Abbott’s expertise in immunology, combined with a robust portfolio of investigational treatments represents promising innovation across several areas of medical need.”

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Category: Pharmaceuticals

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