Abbott and Galapagos, a biotechnology company based in Belgium, have entered into a global collaboration to develop and commercialize an oral, next-generation JAK1 inhibitor (GLPG0634) in phase II development with the potential to treat multiple autoimmune diseases.

Galapagos’ GLPG0634 is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. In a four-week phase IIa study, GLPG0634 demonstrated efficacy measures among the best reported in RA. All patients completed the study, and few experienced any side effects: no anemia, change in blood pressure or lipids were observed. An additional phase IIa dose-range finding study with GLPG0634 is expected to begin shortly.

Abbott will make an initial upfront payment of $150 million for rights related to the global collaboration. Upon successful completion of the RA phase II studies, Abbott will license the program for a one-time fee of $200 million if the studies meet certain pre-agreed criteria. Abbott will assume sole responsibility for phase III clinical development and global manufacturing. Pending achievement of certain developmental, regulatory, commercial and sales-based milestones, Galapagos would be eligible to receive additional milestone payments from Abbott, potentially amounting to $1.0 billion, in addition to tiered double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization. Galapagos retains co-promotion rights in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

"The addition of this novel, oral compound offers patients the potential for advanced treatment options and an improved patient experience to address RA and other autoimmune diseases," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, global R&D, Abbott. "Abbott's expertise in immunology, combined with a robust portfolio of investigational treatments represents promising innovation across several areas of medical need."