| Galapagos
and Roche initiate strategic alliance in COPD
•
Discovery and development of novel small molecules and antibodies
for COPD Mechelen, Belgium; 11 January 2010 – Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that it has entered into a global multi-year strategic alliance with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) to develop potential new therapies in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In the alliance, Galapagos will apply its target discovery platform to discover novel COPD targets. Galapagos is then responsible for the discovery and development of new small molecule candidate drugs against these targets. Roche will have an exclusive option to license each small molecule program after either clinical candidate selection or completion of Phase I clinical trials. In addition, Roche has an exclusive option to license the COPD targets for the discovery and development of antibodies against these targets. Upon exercise of each option, Roche will be responsible for the further (pre)clinical development and commercialization. Under the terms of the agreement, Galapagos has received a research access payment of €6 million from Roche. Galapagos is also eligible to receive discovery, development, regulatory and sales milestone payments that could potentially exceed €400 million, plus royalties upon commercialization of any products covered in the agreement. “This alliance with Roche on discovering novel COPD targets demonstrates the versatility of Galapagos’ target discovery platform in identifying novel targets across a wide range of therapeutic areas. We are excited that this collaboration will focus on both antibodies and small molecules as potential drugs for COPD,” said Onno van de Stolpe, CEO of Galapagos. “Roche’s vast experience in developing and commercializing antibodies makes it the perfect partner for this combined approach.” “Galapagos’
track record in discovering novel therapeutic targets and
its drug discovery expertise make it an ideal partner for
our COPD discovery program,” said Satwant Narula,
head of discovery for the inflammation area of Roche. “We
feel confident that this alliance will bring new mode of
action drugs for COPD into the clinic for Roche.” COPD affects approximately 210 million people worldwide, with more than 5 million people dying of the disease each year. This number is expected to increase by more than 30% in the next ten years, due to an increase in tobacco use worldwide. Although the disease symptoms are manageable through the use of drug and oxygen therapy, there is currently no cure for COPD. About
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