Galapagos NV announced on Tuesday three new Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept studies investigating filgotinib in Sjögren`s syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The Sjögren`s study is being led by filgotinib collaboration partner Gilead Sciences, Inc.; the ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis studies by Galapagos.
“We are pleased with the rapid initiation of these three new proof-of-concept studies with filgotinib,” said Dr. Walid Abi-Saab, Chief Medical Officer of Galapagos. “We look forward to seeing the study results which will show whether filgotinib can impact signs and symptoms of these three disease areas.”
Galapagos and Gilead entered into a global collaboration for the development and commercialization of filgotinib in inflammatory indications. These Phase 2 studies in Sjögren`s syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis are incremental to the ongoing FINCH Phase 3 program in rheumatoid arthritis, the DIVERSITY Phase 3 study in Crohn`s disease (also small bowel and fistulizing Crohn`s disease), and the SELECTION Phase 2b/3 study in ulcerative colitis initiated in 2016.
Filgotinib is an investigational drug and its efficacy and safety have not been established.