GSK licenses Galapagos' anti-infectives

UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline has licensed product candidates from Galapagos NV directed against up to six anti-infective targets. As part of the deal, the Belgian drug-discovery firm will receive up to 3.5 million euros ($5.1 million) up front and could get as much as 215.0 million euros for each drug that reaches the market.

Galapagos will be responsible for the discovery and development of natural product small-molecule drug candidates through to clinical proof-of-concept, at which point GSK will have an exclusive option to license each compound for further development and commercialization on a worldwide basis.

The alliance will utilize the natural product compound collection and chemistry capabilities of BioFocus DPI, Galapagos' services division. Galapagos will have the right to further develop and commercialize compounds for which GSK does not exercise its option. Under the terms of the deal, Galapagos could be eligible to receive up to 95.0 million euros in upfront fees, development and regulatory milestones payments for each product candidate. If a drug is commercialized, Galapagos may receive up to 120.0 million euros for achievement of specific sales milestones. Galapagos is also eligible to receive up to double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of alliance products.