MECHELEN, Belgium, Nov. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that its BioFocus subsidiary signed a new collaboration agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim. Under the terms of the agreement, BioFocus will apply its extensive drug discovery services to an undisclosed target within Boehringer Ingelheim's drug discovery portfolio. David Smith, CEO Services commented, "We are delighted to have secured this contract with Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies and a new integrated drug discovery client to BioFocus. It is testament to the strength and depth of BioFocus' drug discovery capabilities and expertise in this particular gene family." About BioFocus BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and pre- clinical candidates. The company employs over 150 exceptionally qualified and industry experienced scientists at its research centers in the UK and the Netherlands. Since its foundation in 1997, BioFocus has produced high quality data for its clients, assured by ISO9001 qualification, validated by regular independent inspection of all BioFocus research centers. For more information, visit us at Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and at www.biofocus.com . About Boehringer Ingelheim The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 140 affiliates and more than 46,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavors. In 2012, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.7 billion euro, of which 22.5% of the net sales from our Prescription Medicine business is invested into research and development. For more information please visit www.boehringer- ingelheim.com About Galapagos Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline of five Phase2 (two led by GSK), one Phase 1, six pre- clinical, and more than 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications. 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. AbbVie and Galapagos signed a worldwide license agreement whereby AbbVie will be responsible for further development and commercialization after Phase 2B. Galapagos has another selective JAK1 inhibitor, GSK2586184 (formerly GLPG0778, in-licensed by GlaxoSmithKline in 2012) in Phase 2 in lupus and psoriasis, studies led by GSK. GLPG0187 is a novel integrin receptor antagonist currently in a Phase 1B patient study in metastasis. 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 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. Further information at: www.glpg.com More information: Galapagos NV Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations Tel: +31 6 2291 6240 ir@glpg.com 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. [HUG#1744403]
