Abbott and Galapagos to collaborate on autoimmune disease therapy

Abbott has announced a new alliance with the biotechnology company Galapagos on the development of a versatile treatment for multiple autoimmune diseases.

The companies will work together to develop and commercialise the next-generation oral JAK inhibitor GLPG0634, which is currently undergoing phase II trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Results from these early studies have been promising, with GLPG0634 showing efficacy among patients with no significant side effects reported.

Under the terms of the new collaboration, Abbott will make an initial upfront payment of $150 million (94.04 million pounds) for rights to the drug, with milestone fees of more than $1 billion set to be payable if the drug becomes a commercial success.

Dr John Leonard, senior vice-president for global research and development at Abbott, said: "Abbott's expertise in immunology, combined with a robust portfolio of investigational treatments represents promising innovation across several areas of medical need."

This comes after Abbott recently announced a partnership with the global Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative to conduct new research into serious tropical diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.