Gilead and Galapagos Enter Into Transformative Research and Development Collaboration

15-Jul-2019 - Belgium

Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Galapagos NV announced that they have entered into a 10-year global research and development collaboration. Through this agreement, Gilead will gain access to an innovative portfolio of compounds, including six molecules currently in clinical trials, more than 20 preclinical programs and a proven drug discovery platform.

Galapagos will receive a $3.95 billion upfront payment and a $1.1 billion equity investment from Gilead. Galapagos will use the proceeds to expand and accelerate its research and development programs. Gilead will receive an exclusive product license and option rights to develop and commercialize all current and future programs in all countries outside Europe. In addition, Gilead and Galapagos have agreed to amend certain terms in the agreement governing filgotinib, the candidate being advanced for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases to provide a broader commercialization role for Galapagos in Europe.

The collaboration will allow for closer scientific partnership between the companies. Gilead will have access to Galapagos’ established research base, which includes more than 500 scientists, and to Galapagos’ unique platform, which utilizes disease-related, human primary cell-based assays to discover and verify novel drug targets. Gilead will also nominate two individuals to Galapagos’ Board of Directors following the closing of the transaction.

“We are excited to enter into this unique agreement, which will generate both long-term strategic value and mutual, immediate benefits. We chose to partner with Galapagos because of its pioneering target and drug discovery platform, proven scientific capabilities and outstanding team,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead. “Gilead also gains exclusive access to all current and future compounds in Galapagos’ rich pipeline while Galapagos is able to expand its research activities and build commercial infrastructure. The collaboration reflects Gilead’s intent to grow our innovation network through diverse and creative partnerships.”

As part of the collaboration, Gilead gains rights to GLPG1690, Galapagos’ Phase 3 candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Gilead also receives option rights for GLPG1972, a Phase 2b candidate for osteoarthritis, in the United States. Both GLPG1690 and GLPG1972 could offer important mid- and late-stage pipeline opportunities for Gilead. In addition, Gilead receives option rights on all of Galapagos’ other current and future clinical programs outside of Europe.

“What a fantastic moment in our 20th anniversary year to sign this landmark deal with our great partner Gilead,” said Onno van de Stolpe, Chief Executive Officer of Galapagos. “Galapagos has been highly effective at target identification and drug discovery, progressing novel molecules from research into the clinic. We will benefit greatly from Gilead’s expertise and infrastructure and believe this collaboration will provide an accelerated path to advance our pipeline. This agreement is about maximizing innovation based on developing new mode of action medicines. With the capital provided by Gilead, we aim to progress innovation to patients.”

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/1161929/gilead-and-galapagos-enter-into-transformative-research-and-development-collaboration.html