Not optional

Galapagos N.V. desired to control Phase II studies of its GLPG0634 oral Janus kinase-1 inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis, but also wanted an experienced Phase III partner.

The result was last week's hybrid option-like licensing deal with Abbott Laboratories. The biotech gets to take the JAK-1 compound through the Phase II study in RA without delay, while the pharma expects to get a molecule with a relatively benign safety profile and competitive efficacy in what is fast becoming a crowded space...