GlaxoSmithKline and Galapagos sign osteoarthritis agreement

GlaxoSmithKline and Galapagos, a genomics-based drug discovery company, have signed an agreement to develop and deliver osteoarthritis drugs through Galapagos’ osteoarthritis drug discovery programme.

As part of the agreement, Glaxo will have exclusive rights to market and merchandise any drug that meets its “proof of concept” criteria. Galapagos may market drugs that do not meet these criteria themselves. Glaxo paid Galapagos an upfront fee of 4 million euros (2.16 million pounds) as a technology access fee, which could rise to 65 million euros dependent on the success of the drug development programme. Furthermore, Galapagos will receive royalties from the marketing of any drug.

Galapagos’ research has centred on chrondocytes, the main cell type in cartilage. It has developed 11 compounds for osteoarthritis, of which three have gone into development.

Maxine Gowen, senior vice-president and head of Glaxo’s Centre of Excellence for External Drug Discovery, remarked: “We are very pleased to be able to announce the alliance with Galapagos. As there are no therapies available that prevent or block the progression of osteoarthritis, the potential unmet need is substantial.”

“Through this combination of Glaxo’s understanding of medical needs and Galapagos’ innovation in drug discovery, we aim to bring new medicines to patients,” she added.

According to BUPA, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting one million Britons.

Galapagos employs 220 people, including some at its Saffron Walden site in Essex.

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