MECHELEN, Belgium, Oct. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that the Company will present data on the pharmacodynamics and efficacy of its selective JAK1 inhibitor GLPG0634 at the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) which will take place from 25-30 October 2013 in San Diego, CA, US. The abstracts are now available online on the ACR website. Analysis of the JAK1 selectivity of GLPG0634 and its main metabolite in different species, healthy volunteers and rheumatoid arthritis patients Abstract # 478 Poster session - Sunday, October 27, 2013, 8.30 - 4.00 pm An active metabolite contributes to the pharmacodynamics and efficacy of GLPG0634, a selective JAK1 inhibitor Abstract # 1795 Oral session - Monday, October 28, 2013, 4.30 - 6.00 pm The JAK1-selective inhibitor GLPG0634 is safe and rapidly reduces disease activity in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis; results of a 4-week dose ranging study Abstract # 2381 Poster session - Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 8.30 - 4.00 pm About candidate drug GLPG0634 GLPG0634 is an orally-available, novel Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with selectivity for JAK1 developed by Galapagos. JAKs are critical components of signalling mechanisms utilized by a number of cytokines and growth factors, including those that are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis patients. JAK inhibitors have shown long-term efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis studies with an early onset of action. GLPG0634 differentiates from other JAK inhibitors in development by specifically targeting JAK1, a strategy which could result in a better efficacy and safety profile. GLPG0634 is a fully proprietary program. Upon successful completion of the Phase 2b studies in RA, AbbVie will license the program and will assume sole responsibility for Phase 3 clinical development and global manufacturing. GLPG0634 is also being developed for Crohn's disease. About Galapagos Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline of five Phase 2 (two led by GSK), one Phase 1, six pre- clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications. AbbVie and Galapagos signed an agreement in CF where they work collaboratively to develop and commercialize oral drugs that address two mutations in the CFTR gene, the G551D and F508del mutation. In the field of inflammation, AbbVie and Galapagos signed a worldwide license agreement whereby AbbVie will be responsible for further development and commercialization of GLPG0634 after Phase 2B. GLPG0634 is an orally-available, selective inhibitor of JAK1 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other inflammatory diseases, currently in Phase 2B studies in RA and about to enter Phase 2 studies in Crohn's disease. Galapagos has another selective JAK1 inhibitor in Phase 2 in lupus and psoriasis, GSK2586184 (formerly GLPG0778, in-licensed by GlaxoSmithKline in 2012). GLPG0974 is the first inhibitor of FFA2 to be evaluated clinically for the treatment of IBD; this program is currently in a Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 study. GLPG1205 is a first-in-class molecule that targets inflammatory disorders and is currently in a First-in-Human Phase 1 study. The Galapagos Group, including fee-for-service companies BioFocus, Argenta and Fidelta, has around 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. Further information at: www.glpg.com Contact Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations Tel: +31 6 2291 6240 ir@glpg.com Galapagos forward-looking statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "could," "stands to," and "continues," as well as similar expressions. Such forward- looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Galapagos, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. Galapagos expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation. Galapagos to present GLPG0634 at ACR: http://hugin.info/133350/R/1735889/581694.pdf [HUG#1735889]
