Galapagos NV (NASDAQ: GLPG) has announced significant progress in its clinical development pipeline, particularly in oncology and immunology, marked by FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for GLPG5101, a CAR-T therapy targeting non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This milestone allows the company to initiate Phase II trials in the U.S., expanding the ATALANTA study. The company's strong cash reserves and strategic collaborations are set to propel further advancements.
Advancing CAR-T Therapy for NHL
The FDA's IND clearance for GLPG5101 is a pivotal step, enabling Galapagos to bring its novel decentralized cell therapy platform to the U.S. The Phase II expansion part of the ATALANTA study will commence with patient recruitment before the end of the year, focusing on patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This decentralized platform aims to reduce vein-to-vein time, potentially improving patient outcomes, as highlighted by a recent publication in Blood Advances.
Pipeline Expansion and Strategic Collaborations
Galapagos is advancing over 15 programs, with plans to initiate at least four IND-enabling studies in 2025. These programs span both oncology and immunology, with a focus on cell therapies and small molecule drugs. Key collaborations include partnerships with Blood Centers of America and Adaptimmune, enhancing the company's cell therapy manufacturing network and expanding its portfolio with TCR T-cell therapy, uza-cel, targeting MAGE-A4 for head and neck cancer.
Financial Stability and Business Development
With a robust cash position of EUR 3.3 billion, Galapagos is well-positioned to support its R&D efforts and pursue business development opportunities. The company is actively seeking deals in oncology and immunology, with potential collaborations and acquisitions on the horizon. Galapagos reconfirmed its full-year cash burn guidance of EUR 370 million to EUR 410 million for 2024.
Clinical Pipeline Progress
In addition to GLPG5101, Galapagos is progressing GLPG5201 in CLL and Richter's transformation and has resumed recruitment for the GLPG5301 Phase I/II study in multiple myeloma. New data from the ATALANTA and EUPLAGIA studies will be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in December. The company is also advancing its Phase II study with GLPG3667 in dermatomyositis and lupus, with top-line data expected in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Decentralized Manufacturing Platform
Galapagos' decentralized cell therapy platform offers a novel point-of-care solution with the potential for efficient seven-day vein-to-vein time, addressing limitations of current CAR-T treatments. The platform includes an end-to-end workflow management system, a functionally closed automated manufacturing platform, and a proprietary quality control testing strategy. This approach allows for greater physician oversight and a globally scalable production model near the patient.
Future Outlook
Galapagos plans to submit an IND for GLPG5201 in early 2025 and is advancing a next-generation bispecific CAR-T candidate into IND-enabling studies. The company aims to fuel its clinical pipeline with at least two new clinical assets annually from 2026 onwards, across cell therapy and small molecules. Strategic business development remains a priority, with a focus on accelerating breakthrough medicines for patients in need.
