LONDON (Alliance News) - Belgium-based biotechnology company Galapagos NV Wednesday said GlaxoSmithKline PLC plans to begin an exploratory Phase 2 study with GSK2586184, formerly known as GLPG0778, for ulcerative colitis patients, a third indication for this investigational molecule, in addition to psoriasis and lupus.
GSK2586184 is a selective JAK1 inhibitor which was discovered and developed within Galapagos' inflammation alliance with GSK. GSK in-licensed the molecule in February 2012, gaining worldwide rights to further development and commercialization. Galapagos is eligible, without further financial investment from Galapagos, to receive from GSK 34 million euros in additional milestones, plus up to double-digit royalties on global commercial sales of all therapeutic indications of GSK2586184.
Galapagos' Chief Executive noted, "Inhibition of Janus kinase (JAK) signalling proteins is considered a promising new therapeutic route to treat inflammatory diseases. Galapagos has discovered multiple JAK inhibition molecules, three of which have reached the clinic."
The Phase 2 trials with GSK2586184 in ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and lupus are slated to close in November 2014, March 2014, and November 2015, respectively.
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