Servier Licenses GLPG1972 in Osteoarthritis from Galapagos

As a result of their research collaboration, Servier announces today that it has exercised its option to develop novel osteoarthritis molecule GLPG1972/S201086 from Galapagos NV, thus obtaining global commercial rights outside the U.S.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling pathology, considered as a priority by the World Health Organization. So far, no treatment is available to counteract disease progression, patients being left with only symptomatic treatments. OA represents an important unmet medical need. Since June 2010, Servier and Galapagos have been joining their expertise to tackle this problem, leading to the development of GLPG1972/S201086, a first-in-class and potentially disease-modifying molecule.

The mechanism of action of GLPG1972/S201086, which targets a cartilage degrading enzyme called ADAMTS-5, has been confirmed in two animal models. The phase 1 trial run by Galapagos met all its safety and pharmacokinetic targets. Phase 1 in healthy volunteers also demonstrated that GLPG1972/S201086 reduced ARGS neoepitope, an important cartilage breakdown biomarker, by more than 50% within two weeks. Galapagos is currently exploring safety and pharmacokinetics of G1972/S201086 in a phase 1b trial in OA patients in the US. A Phase 2 program is currently being prepared with this drug candidate.

“We strongly believe that the combination of our knowledge of osteoarthritis with Galapagos’ recognized expertise in discovery of small molecules with novel modes of potentially increases chances to deliver life-changing treatments to patients”, said Dr. Patricia Belissa-Mathiot, Director of the Research and development in immune-inflammatory disease for Servier.

“We look forward to exploring together how GLPG1972/S201086 might meet OA patients’ urgent needs. Servier’s commitment in OA fits really well with our drive to deliver a first disease-modifying drug in this debilitating disease,” said Dr. Piet Wigerinck, Chief Scientific Officer of Galapagos.

Galapagos will receive a €6 million license fee from Servier and is eligible to a total of €290 million in success-based milestones from the collaboration. Servier and Galapagos will make joint decisions on the development through a joint steering committee. Galapagos has full US commercial rights to GLPG1972/S201086 and is entitled to receive royalties on commercial sales outside the US.