Barcelona (Spain) and Mechelen (Belgium); 25 January 2012 - Almirall, S.A. (ALM.MC) announced today that has formed a research alliance with BioFocus, an affiliate from Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG).
The three-year alliance is aimed at delivering drug development candidates directed to a key respiratory target of interest to Almirall. Under the terms of the collaboration, BioFocus will apply its integrated drug discovery capabilities whilst Almirall will bring in respiratory specific knowhow to the joint experimental effort. The value of this collaboration to BioFocus could reach €7.5 million.
"We selected BioFocus for this alliance because of the excellent technology and scientific fit between both companies," said Dr. Bertil Lindmark, CSO, Executive Director R&D of Almirall.
"We are delighted to form a drug discovery alliance with one of Europe's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies," added Dr. Chris Newton, SVP Galapagos Services and Managing Director, BioFocus.
Respiratory is a key research focus for Almirall together with gastrointestinal and dermatology areas where the company is especially engaged to offer new therapeutic solutions.
About Almirall
Almirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, it researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people's health and wellbeing.
Almirall focuses its research resources on therapeutic areas related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), gastrointestinal disorders, psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.
Almirall's products are currently present in over 70 countries while it has direct presence in Europe and Latin America through 12 affiliates.
For further information please visit the website at: www.almirall.com
About BioFocus
BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capability in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and with a growing track record of delivering candidates against rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and candidate pre-clinical drugs. The company employs over 220 exceptionally qualified and industry experienced scientists at its three research centers in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Since its foundation in 1997, BioFocus has striven to produce high quality data for its clients and this quality is assured by ISO9001 qualification validated by regular, independent inspection of all BioFocus research centers. For more information visit: www.biofocus.com
About Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is a mid-size biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule and antibody therapies with novel modes-of-action. The Company is progressing GLPG0634, as well as one of the largest pipelines in biotech, with seven programs in development and over 50 discovery programs. The Galapagos Group has about 800 employees and operates facilities in six countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. More info at: www.glpg.com
More information:
Ketchum Pleon
Sonia San Segundo
Tel.: +34 91 788 32 00
sonia.sansegundo@ketchumpleon.com
Galapagos NV
Chris Newton, SVP Services
Tel: +44 1799 533535
ir@glpg.com
Elizabeth Goodwin, Director Investor Relations
Tel: +31 6 2291 6240
ir@glpg.com
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