Less than three months after Abbvie terminated its filgotinib relationship with Galapagos, the company has a new partner: Gilead Sciences.
In a deal focused on development of JAK1-selective inhibitor filgotinib for inflammatory indications, Galapagos will receive an upfront payment of $725 million consisting of a license fee of $300 million and a $425 million equity investment in Galapagos. In addition, Galapagos is eligible for payments of up to $1.35 billion in milestones, with tiered royalties starting at 20% and a profit split in co-promotion territories.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will collaborate jointly on the global development of filgotinib starting with the initiation of Phase III trials in RA. Galapagos will co-fund 20% of global development activities and Gilead will be responsible for manufacturing and worldwide marketing and sales activities.
According to Galapagos, Phase II trial data show that filgotinib has the potential to be an effective and well-tolerated oral therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (DARWIN studies) and Crohn's disease (FITZROY study).
