Osteoarthritis is a challenging therapeutic area where there are currently no marketed disease-modifying drugs.

Galapagos’ lead compounds block cartilage degradation in diseased cartilage explants, while diseased mouse joints treated with this compound also showed reduced cartilage destruction. The program has progressed from validated targets to a Proof of Concept in just 18 months. The data generated thus far encourage the Company to aim for delivery of a preclinical candidate in osteoarthritis by the end of 2008.

Galapagos and GSK initiated a strategic alliance in osteoarthritis in June 2006. In July 2007, this alliance was expanded to include up to two drug discovery programs on selected GSK targets.