MECHELEN, Belgium, Feb. 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that the Company will present posters on GLPG0634 and GLPG0974 at the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation annual meeting, taking place from 20 to 22 February 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The full abstracts can be accessed through the ECCO website .
GLPG0634, The First Selective JAK1 Inhibitor, Shows Strong Activity In The Mouse DSS-Colitis Model
Abstract number: A-1737
Poster number: P072
GLPG0634 is an orally-available, novel 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 Crohn's patients. The strong efficacy of GLPG0634 in the pre-clinical mouse DSS-induced colitis model will be presented during a poster session on Friday, February 21, 2014, from 12:20-13:30. The poster is available online at www.glpg.com .
The FFA2 antagonist GLPG0974: opportunity to treat neutrophil-driven inflammation
Abstract Number: A-1557
Poster number: DOP070
FFA2 (free fatty acid receptor 2) has been shown to play a role in neutrophil migration. Over-activity of neutrophils is a cause of tissue damage in illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease. The favorable Phase 1 pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data with GLPG0974 will be presented on Friday, February 21, 2014, from 12:25-13:25 in DOP Session Room 8 in Hall B. The presentation is available online at www.glpg.com .
About candidate drug GLPG0634
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. Furthermore, Galapagos recently announced the start of a Phase 2 study with GLPG0634 in Crohn's Disease.
About candidate drug GLPG0974
GLPG0974 is an orally available small molecule that reduces migration of neutrophils, one of the critical cell types in inflammatory processes, by potent inhibition of FFA2 (also known as GPR43). Over-activity of neutrophils is a cause of tissue damage in illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease. A reduction of neutrophil activation and migration by inhibition of FFA2 may provide for a novel anti-inflammatory treatment approach. By inhibiting FFA2, GLPG0974 prevents free fatty acid-induced activation and migration of neutrophils towards an inflammatory site, such as in the gut of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. GLPG0974 is the first inhibitor of FFA2 to be evaluated clinically.
About ECCO
The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), founded in 2001, is now the largest forum for specialists in IBD in the world. It is a non-profit association, which successfully expanded from an organisation comprising 14 Country Members to an association assembling 33 member states of the Council of Europe and facilitating collaborations beyond Europe's borders. ECCO's mission is to improve the care of patients with IBD in all its aspects through international guidelines for practice, education, research and collaboration in the area of IBD. More info at: https://www.ecco-ibd.eu/
About Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline comprising of six Phase 2 studies (three led by GSK), one Phase 1 study, six pre-clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications. 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 in Phase 2 in Crohn's disease. Galapagos has another selective JAK1 inhibitor in Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and lupus, 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 has completed Phase 1. 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. Potentiator GLPG1837 is at the pre-clinical candidate stage. 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, Head of Corporate Communications & 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.
Galapagos to present GLPG0634 and GLPG0974 at ECCO http://hugin.info/133350/R/1763510/597669.pdf
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