Galapagos falls after stopping RA trial
Galapagos N.V. (Euronext:GLPG; Pink:GLPYY) fell EUR 2.89 (24%) to EUR 9.31 on Friday after discontinuing a Phase II trial of GLPG0259 to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The company said an analysis by an interim review committee showed "limited efficacy potential" of the compound. The committee analyzed unblinded safety and efficacy data from the first 30 patients enrolled in the trial, which was to enroll 180 patients to receive GLPG0259 or placebo for 12 weeks. Galapagos will analyze the data further before determining next steps for GLPG0259.
GLPG0259 is a mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 5 ( MAPKAPK5; PRAK) inhibitor. The compound was developed under a 2007 partnership with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) for oral small molecules to treat RA. Galapagos is responsible for development through clinical proof of concept (POC), after which J&J has an option to license each compound. Galapagos did not comment on the status of the partnership. ...