Headquarters: Mechelen, Belgium
Ticker: GLPG (NASDAQ, Euronext)
Founded: 1999
Website: [glpg.com](https://www.glpg.com)
Overview Galapagos NV is a Belgian biotechnology company headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium, founded in 1999. The company focuses on discovering and developing novel small molecule therapies for oncology, immunology, and inflammatory diseases[@galapagos2024]. While not primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases, Galapagos has explored programs in CNS disorders and maintains a significant presence in inflammation research relevant to neuroinflammation.
Galapagos has emerged as one of Europe's leading biotechnology companies, with a proprietary target discovery platform and a track record of bringing drugs through clinical development[@galapagos2019].
Pipeline
Current Focus Areas | Area | Lead Program | Mechanism | Phase |
Jyseleca (Filgotinib) Filgotinib is a selective JAK1 inhibitor developed by Galapagos and commercialized in partnership with Gilead Sciences:
Approved Indications : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitisMechanism : Selective inhibition of JAK1, reducing inflammatory cytokine signalingGlobal Rights : Gilead holds commercialization rights outside EuropeNeurology and Neuroinflammation ... Headquarters: Mechelen, Belgium
Ticker: GLPG (NASDAQ, Euronext)
Founded: 1999
Website: [glpg.com](https://www.glpg.com)
Overview Galapagos NV is a Belgian biotechnology company headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium, founded in 1999. The company focuses on discovering and developing novel small molecule therapies for oncology, immunology, and inflammatory diseases[@galapagos2024]. While not primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases, Galapagos has explored programs in CNS disorders and maintains a significant presence in inflammation research relevant to neuroinflammation.
Galapagos has emerged as one of Europe's leading biotechnology companies, with a proprietary target discovery platform and a track record of bringing drugs through clinical development[@galapagos2019].
Pipeline
Current Focus Areas | Area | Lead Program | Mechanism | Phase |
Jyseleca (Filgotinib) Filgotinib is a selective JAK1 inhibitor developed by Galapagos and commercialized in partnership with Gilead Sciences:
Approved Indications : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitisMechanism : Selective inhibition of JAK1, reducing inflammatory cytokine signalingGlobal Rights : Gilead holds commercialization rights outside EuropeNeurology and Neuroinflammation While Galapagos has deprioritized dedicated CNS programs, their JAK1 inhibitor has potential applications in neuroinflammation:
Alzheimer's Disease Research : JAK/STAT pathway involvement in neuroinflammationParkinson's Disease : Potential for reducing microglial activationMultiple Sclerosis : Investigated in preclinical models
Target Discovery Engine Galapagos has built a proprietary target discovery platform:
RNAi Screening : Genome-wide loss-of-function screensBioinformatics : Integration of human genetics and omics dataPatient-Derived Models : Primary cells and organoids for validationSmall Molecule Optimization The company maintains expertise in:
Medicinal Chemistry : Structure-based drug designADMET : Integrated ADMET profilingFormulation : Oral and topical deliveryCell Therapy Following acquisition of Cellistic, Galapagos has expanded into cell therapy:
Allogeneic CAR-T : Off-the-shelf CAR-T candidatesiPSC Platform : Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapiesManufacturing : European manufacturing capabilitiesClinical Development Galapagos has advanced multiple programs through clinical development:
Phase 3 : Completed pivotal trials in rheumatoid arthritisPhase 2 : Ongoing studies in inflammatory bowel diseasePhase 1 : First-in-human studies for new candidatesRegulatory History
2019 : EMA approval of filgotinib for rheumatoid arthritis2020 : Japanese approval of filgotinib2021 : FDA complete response letter (requiring additional studies)Partnerships
Gilead Partnership (2019) One of the largest biotech partnerships in European history:
Total Deal Value : $5.4 billion (including $3.95 billion upfront)Scope : Global development and commercialization of filgotinib and other programsPrograms Included : 10+ clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areasReversion Rights : Galapagos regained US rights in 2022Other Collaborations
Lundbeck : CNS research collaboration (historical)Pfizer : Target discovery collaboration (historical)Academic Partnerships : Various European university collaborationsFinancials | Metric | Value |
History
1999 : Founded in Belgium by Dr. Onno van de Stolpe2005 : First partnership with Pfizer2015 : IPO on NASDAQ raised €380 million2019 : Historic Gilead partnership announced2021 : Strategic restructuring and CEO transition2022 : Regained US rights to filgotinib from GileadLeadership
CEO : Paul Stoffels (former Johnson & Johnson executive)CSO : Dr. Piet WigerinckCFO : Bart FiliusChallenges and Considerations
US Regulatory : FDA has not yet approved filgotinibCompetition : JAK inhibitor class faces safety concernsCNS Strategy : Company has shifted away from CNS programsGilead Relationship : Post-partnership strategy evolution[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
[Parkinson's Disease](/genes/ar)
JAK Inhibitors
[Gene Therapy](/therapeutics/gene-therapy)
External Links
[Galapagos Official Website](https://www.glpg.com)
[Galapagos Pipeline](https://www.glpg.com/pipeline)
[Jyseleca Product Website](https://www.jyseleca.com)
[ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov)
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
References
Unknown, Galapagos NV - Company Overview (2024)
Unknown, Galapagos and Gilead Partnership (2019) Show full description