OREANDA-NEWS. Galapagos will present its R&D strategy, focus areas and new data on several programs in its maturing pipeline in inflammation and fibrosis at the Yale Club in New York City.

Galapagos reports that GLPG2222, the first early binding (C1) corrector, passed the safety hurdle in Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers. GLPG2222 was tested in single ascending doses up to 800 mg, and in multiple ascending doses up to 600 mg qd for 14 days in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The candidate drug was shown to be well-tolerated and no emerging safety signals observed in the dose range studied. Absorption of GLPG2222 was rapid and favorable. Pharmacokinetics of GLPG2222 support once-daily dosing regimens to be explored in further development. Corrector GLPG2222 will be tested next with potentiator GLPG2451 in healthy volunteers. Corrector GLPG2222 is one of the potential modulator compounds for the triple combination therapy that Galapagos and AbbVie are developing, aiming to address 90% of all CF patients.

In osteoarthritis, Galapagos reports that GLPG1972, partnered with Servier, demonstrated a marked biomarker response indicative for inhibition of cartilage degradation. GLPG1972 was safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers in a Phase 1 study. The candidate drug demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics. The mechanism of action of GLPG1972 remains undisclosed. Galapagos and partner Servier are considering next steps for further development of GLPG1972 in osteoarthritis. Galapagos has the full US commercial rights in the osteoarthritis collaboration with Servier.

Furthermore, Galapagos announces the nomination of two new pre-clinical candidates with undisclosed novel mechanisms of action: GLPG2938 for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and GLPG2534 for atopic dermatitis. Both programs are expected to enter Phase 1 in 2017.

The Company will present the discovery portfolio and its evolution. Aim is to evolve to a stable portfolio delivering three clinical Proofs-of-Concept per year and to initiate one Phase 3 program every two years.

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company with over 21,000 employees in 148 countries. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: oncology, cardiology, metabolism, neuropsychiatry and rheumatology. Servier is an independent company that reinvests all earnings in its development and activities. In 2015, the company recorded a turnover of €3.9 billion.

Galapagos (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule medicines with novel modes of action. Our maturing pipeline comprises Phase 2, Phase 1, pre-clinical and discovery studies in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, osteoarthritis and other indications. We have discovered and developed filgotinib: in collaboration with Gilead we aim to bring this JAK1-selective inhibitor for inflammatory indications to patients all over the world. Galapagos is focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines that will improve people's lives. The Galapagos group, including fee-for-service subsidiary Fidelta, has approximately 440 employees, operating from its Mechelen, Belgium headquarters and facilities in The Netherlands, France, and Croatia.