Key 2017 results:
Webcast presentation tomorrow, 23 February 2018 at 14.00 CET/8 AM ET, +32 2 404 0659, www.glpg.com
Mechelen, Belgium; 22 February 2018, 22.01 CET, regulated information - Galapagos NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) presents financial results and highlights the key events for the full year 2017.
"We look back on another very successful execution year at Galapagos. Our strategy is to leverage our innovative target discovery platform to develop breakthrough drugs and ultimately deliver these to patients with large unmet need. Our successes with filgotinib in rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's trials in previous years showed that JAK1 inhibition can make a difference. In 2017 we showed that GLPG1690 (autotaxin inhibitor) halted IPF disease progression in the FLORA trial, as well as a marked reduction of signs and symptoms with MOR106 (IL-17C inhibitor) in atopic dermatitis patients, adding two new proofs of platform for our approach to finding novel medicines," CEO Onno van de Stolpe commented. "The coming year will be data-rich, as we expect the first Phase 3 data with filgotinib in rheumatoid arthritis, along with an interim decision to move to Phase 3 in the ulcerative colitis trial and readouts in our trials in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. In cystic fibrosis, we will see topline results from the PELICAN trial and a first interim readout with FALCON, a patient trial of our first triple combination therapy. We expect to launch pivotal trials with GLPG1690 in IPF, building our fully proprietary IPF franchise. And with our planned start of Phase 2 trials for GLPG1205, GLPG1972, MOR106, and more CF triple combinations, we set the foundations for the next set of clinical results. Meanwhile, we continue to expand our organization to be able to execute the increasing number of clinical trials and to be ready for the anticipated market introduction of our drug candidates. We consider our progress in 2017 to be just the beginning, as we continue to discover new modes of action and plan to bring them all the way to patients."
Bart Filius, COO and CFO, added: "Galapagos ended 2017 with an extraordinarily strong balance sheet. We are continuing to grow our late stage development organization to execute on our successful programs. Now with the decision to co-promote filgotinib in Europe with Gilead, we have started to build a commercial organization. While key programs are financed by our partners, the share of proprietary late stage development is expected to grow. During 2018 we expect to be running 13 Phase 2 trials at Galapagos. All this will contribute to our financial guidance for operational cash burn between 220 and 240 million for full year 2018."
Key figures (consolidated)
( millions, except basic income/loss per share)
31 Dec 2017 Group total | 31 Dec 2016 Group total | |
Revenues and other income | 155.9 | 151.6 |
R&D expenditure | -218.5 | -139.6 |
G&A and S&M expenses | -27.2 | -23.5 |
Operating loss | -89.8 | -11.5 |
Non-cash adjustment on short term financial asset1 | 57.5 | |
Other financial result | -25.7 | 8.2 |
Income taxes | -0.2 | -0.2 |
Net result for the period | -115.7 | 54.0 |
Basic income / loss (-) per share () | -2.34 | 1.18 |
Cash, Cash equivalents and Restricted cash at year-end | 1,152.4 | 980.9 |
Notes:
Details of the financial results
Revenues and other income
Galapagos' revenues and other income for 2017 amounted to 155.9 million, compared to 151.6 million in 2016. Increased revenues and other income were mainly driven by higher revenue recognition and R&D incentives in line with the evolution of the R&D expenses.
Operating result
The Group realized a net operating loss in 2017 of 89.8 million, compared to a net operating loss of 11.5 million in 2016.
R&D expenses for the Group in 2017 were 218.5 million compared to 139.6 million in 2016. This planned increase was due mainly to increased efforts on our clinical and pre-clinical programs, primarily filgotinib, our CF program and the proprietary pre-clinical programs in inflammation and fibrosis.
G&A and S&M expenses of the Group were 27.2 million in 2017, compared to 23.5 million in 2016. This increase was due primarily to a higher liability for short term and long term management bonuses and higher costs for warrant plans (non-cash), both mainly as a result of the increase of the Galapagos share price.
Net result
The Group realized a net loss in 2017 of 115.7 million, compared to a net profit of 54.0 million in 2016. The net loss in 2017 was negatively influenced for 27.8 million by unrealized currency exchange rate fluctuation on our cash positions held in U.S. dollars.
2016's result was primarily driven by a 57.5 million non-cash fair value gain from the re-measurement of the financial asset triggered by the share subscription agreement with Gilead.
Cash position
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled 1,152.4 million on 31 December 2017.
A net increase of 171.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash was recorded in 2017. Net cash flows from financing activities generated 348.1 million through a public offering in the United States, as well as 5.3 million from warrant exercises. Furthermore, a net cash outflow from operating activities was realized for 147.0 million in 2017. Finally, 7.1 million was used in investing activities (when excluding the movement in restricted cash) and 27.8 million unrealized negative exchange rate differences were generated on cash and cash equivalents.
The operational cash burn[1] amounted to 154.1 million, within the guided range for 2017 of 135 - 155 million.
Furthermore, Galapagos' balance sheet holds a receivable from the French government (Crιdit d'Impτt Recherche[2]) now amounting to 36.4 million, payable in 4 yearly tranches. Galapagos' balance sheet also holds a receivable from the Belgian Government for R&D incentives now amounting to 39.4 million.
Outlook 2018
Galapagos aims to report topline results with the FINCH 2 (rheumatoid arthritis), EQUATOR (psoriatic arthritis), TORTUGA (ankylosing spondilitis) filgotinib trials as well as a decision to continue to Phase 3 in SELECTION (ulcerative colitis). Our collaboration partner Gilead expects to complete recruitment of FINCH 1 and FINCH 3, the remaining RA Phase 3 trials with filgotinib. In cystic fibrosis we anticipate the readout of the PELICAN patient trial and an interim readout in FALCON. Galapagos aims to initiate pivotal trials with GLPG1690 (IPF) and Phase 2 trials with GLPG1205 (IPF), an additional CF triple combination, GLPG1972 (osteoarthritis), and MOR106 (atopic dermatitis).
The Company expects an operational cash burn between 220 and 240 million in 2018.
Annual report 2017
Galapagos is currently finalizing its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017. The auditor has confirmed that his audit procedures, which are substantially completed, have not revealed any material corrections required to be made to the financial information included in this press release. Should any material changes arise during the audit finalization, an additional press release will be issued. Galapagos expects to be able to publish its fully audited annual report for the full year 2017 on or around 23 March 2018.
Galapagos will conduct a conference call open to the public tomorrow, 23 February 2018, at 14:00 CET/8 AM ET, which will also be webcast. To participate in the conference call, please call one of the following numbers ten minutes prior to commencement:
Confirmation Code: 9171161
Belgium: +32 2 404 0659
France: +33 1 76 77 2274
Netherlands: +31 20 721 9251
United Kingdom: +44 330 336 9105
USA: +1 323 701 0225
A question and answer session will follow the presentation of the results. Go to www.glpg.com to access the live audio webcast. The archived webcast will also be available for replay shortly after the close of the call.
Financial calendar
24 April 2018 Annual shareholders' meeting in Mechelen, Belgium
25 April 2018 First quarter 2018 results (webcast 26 April 2018)
2 August 2018 Half year 2018 results (webcast 3 August 2018)
25 October 2018 Third quarter 2018 results (webcast 26 October 2018)
21 February 2019 Full year 2018 results (webcast 22 February 2019)
About Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule medicines with novel modes of action. Galapagos' pipeline comprises Phase 3 through to discovery programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, osteoarthritis and other indications. Our target discovery platform has delivered three novel mechanisms showing promising patient results in, respectively, inflammatory diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and atopic dermatitis. Galapagos is focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines that will improve people's lives. The Galapagos group, including fee-for-service subsidiary Fidelta, has approximately 600 employees, operating from its Mechelen, Belgium headquarters and facilities in the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, the US and Croatia. More information at www.glpg.com.
All the drug candidates mentioned in this press release are investigational; their efficacy and safety are yet to be established.
Contacts
Investors: | Media: |
Elizabeth Goodwin | Evelyn Fox |
VP IR & Corporate Communications +1 781 460 1784 | Director Communications +31 6 53 591 999 communications@glpg.com |
Paul van der Horst Director IR & Business Development +31 71 7506 707 | |
ir@glpg.com |
Forward-looking statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements regarding the guidance from management (including guidance regarding the expected operational cash burn during financial year 2018), financial results, the timing of audited financial results, timing and/or results of clinical trials, investment in commercial capabilities, and interaction with regulators, including the potential approval of our current or future drug candidates. Galapagos cautions the reader that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition and liquidity, performance or achievements of Galapagos, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions and liquidity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if Galapagos' results, performance, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with such forward-looking statements, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods. Among the factors that may result in differences are that Galapagos' expectations regarding its 2018 operating expenses may be incorrect (including because one or more of its assumptions underlying its expense expectations may not be realized), Galapagos' expectations regarding its development programs may be incorrect, the inherent uncertainties associated with competitive developments, clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements (including that data from Galapagos' ongoing clinical research programs may not support registration or further development of its product candidates due to safety, efficacy or other reasons), Galapagos' reliance on collaborations with third parties, and estimating the commercial potential of its development programs. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in Galapagos' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in Galapagos' most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC and other filings and reports filed by Galapagos with the SEC. 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 or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, unless specifically required by law or regulation.
[1] The operational cash burn (or operational cash flow if this performance measure is positive) is equal to the sum of the net cash flows generated / used (-) in operating activities and the net cash flows generated / used (-) in investing activities minus (i) the proceeds or cash used, if any, in acquisitions or disposals of businesses; and (ii) the movement in restricted cash, if any. This alternative performance measure is in our view an important metric for a biotech company in the development stage. For 2016, the operational cash flow generated represented 231.9 million, which was significantly impacted by the upfront payment from Gilead of 275.6 million.
[2] Crιdit d'Impτt Recherche refers to an innovation incentive system underwritten by the French government.