- Business
- Galapagos NV (GLPG.BR) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative cell therapies and small molecule medicines addressing high unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology and other areas. The company offers a pipeline of cell therapy candidates including GLPG5101, a CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy in Phase 2 for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; GLPG5201 in Phase 1/2 for solid tumors; and GLPG5301 in Phase 1/2 for hematological malignancies, manufactured via a proprietary decentralized platform enabling fresh, stem-like early memory T-cells with a median vein-to-vein time of seven days; alongside small molecule assets such as the TYK2 inhibitor GLPG3667 in Phase 2 for systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis, which the company seeks partners for. Previously developed products include filgotinib (Jyseleca), a JAK1 inhibitor commercialized by partners for ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis in select markets. Galapagos operates in Europe, the United States and Asia, with additional sites in Leiden, Romainville, Basel, Milan, Madrid, Boston and Zagreb.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium, the company leverages proprietary platforms such as its high-yielding cell therapy discovery engine and xCellit workflow software for scalable, automated manufacturing without cryopreservation. Target markets encompass patients with hematological malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, served through clinical trials, strategic partnerships and potential commercialization.
In recent major developments, Galapagos announced on January 8, 2025, its intention to separate into two publicly traded entities by mid-2025: retaining cell therapy operations while spinning off SpinCo with €2.45 billion in capital, supported by Gilead Sciences, to pursue acquisitions in oncology, immunology and virology. However, on October 21, 2025, the company declared plans to wind down its cell therapy business amid financial pressures, including a €461.3 million net loss for the first nine months of 2025, shifting focus to value-accretive small molecule and biologics transactions leveraging its Gilead partnership. Key prior changes include the 2024 divestment of Jyseleca to Alfasigma SpA for €170 million; 2022 acquisitions of CellPoint and Abound Bio to bolster cell therapy capabilities; and manufacturing partnerships with NecstGen and CELLforCURE by SEQENS in 2025 for CAR T-cell production. GLPG5101 received FDA RMAT designation in 2025 for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, highlighting pipeline progress prior to the strategic pivot.