MECHELEN, Belgium, Oct. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that the Company will present in vitro and Phase 1 data showing potent and selective inhibition of FFA2 by GLPG0974 at the United European Gastroenterology Week, taking place from 12 to 16 October 2013 in Berlin, Germany. "The FFA2 antagonist GLPG0974: Opportunity to treat neutrophil-driven inflammation" will be presented on 16 October from 9 am to 2 pm CET and has been granted Poster of Excellence designation from the UEG Week Scientific Committee. The poster is also now available online at www.glpg.com. FFA2 (free fatty acid receptor 2) has been shown to play a role in neutrophil migration. Over-activity of neutrophils is a cause of tissue damage in illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease. In the EUG Week poster, Galapagos provides in vitro pharmacology supporting that GLPG0974 is a potent and selective antagonist of FFA2, and favorable Phase I pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data with GLPG0974. About candidate drug GLPG0974 GLPG0974 is an orally available small molecule that reduces migration of neutrophils, one of the critical cell types in inflammatory processes, by potent inhibition of FFA2 (also known as GPR43). Over-activity of neutrophils is a cause of tissue damage in illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease. A reduction of neutrophil activation and migration by inhibition of FFA2 may provide for a novel anti-inflammatory treatment approach. By inhibiting FFA2, GLPG0974 prevents free fatty acid-induced activation and migration of neutrophils towards an inflammatory site, such as in the gut of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. GLPG0974 is the first inhibitor of FFA2 to be evaluated clinically. Galapagos expects to report results of the Proof of Concept study in ulcerative colitis in early 2014. About Galapagos Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline of five Phase 2 (two led by GSK), one Phase 1, six pre- clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications. AbbVie and Galapagos signed an agreement in CF where they work collaboratively to develop and commercialize oral drugs that address two mutations in the CFTR gene, the G551D and F508del mutation. In the field of inflammation, AbbVie and Galapagos signed a worldwide license agreement whereby AbbVie will be responsible for further development and commercialization of GLPG0634 after Phase 2B. GLPG0634 is an orally-available, selective inhibitor of JAK1 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other inflammatory diseases, currently in Phase 2B studies in RA and about to enter Phase 2 studies in Crohn's disease. Galapagos has another selective JAK1 inhibitor in Phase 2 in lupus and psoriasis, GSK2586184 (formerly GLPG0778, in-licensed by GlaxoSmithKline in 2012). GLPG0974 is the first inhibitor of FFA2 to be evaluated clinically for the treatment of IBD; this program is currently in a Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 study. GLPG1205 is a first-in-class molecule that targets inflammatory disorders and is currently in a First-in-Human Phase 1 study. The Galapagos Group, including fee-for-service companies BioFocus, Argenta and Fidelta, has around 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. Further information at: www.glpg.com Contact Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations Tel: +31 6 2291 6240 ir@glpg.com Galapagos forward-looking statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "could," "stands to," and "continues," as well as similar expressions. Such forward- looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Galapagos, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. Galapagos expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation. Galapagos to present Phase 1 data on GLPG0974: http://hugin.info/133350/R/1735886/581692.pdf [HUG#1735886]