Galapagos

Company Description

Galapagos is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for rare diseases, with a particular emphasis on immunology and cell therapy. The company has pioneered a decentralized cell therapy manufacturing platform that can deliver fresh CAR-T treatments to patients within just seven days—dramatically faster than traditional approaches. The company's key product is Jyseleca® (filgotinib), an oral JAK1 inhibitor approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis in Europe. Beyond commercialized products, Galapagos is advancing CAR-T cell therapies (GLPG5101 for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and GLPG5301 for multiple myeloma) and a TYK2 inhibitor for autoimmune diseases. Founded in 1999 as a joint venture in Mechelen, Belgium, Galapagos partnered extensively with Gilead Sciences, though the companies separated in 2024. In January 2025, Galapagos announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies by mid-2025: one focused on its innovative cell therapy platform, and a new entity (SpinCo) that will pursue transformational transactions with approximately €2.45 billion in cash. With approximately 700 employees and operations in Europe, the US, and formerly China (the company announced it would wind down its cell therapy business in those regions after failing to find a buyer), Galapagos retains substantial cash reserves. Under CEO Fabrice Chouraqui (who took over in early 2025), the company is focusing on its groundbreaking decentralized cell therapy manufacturing capabilities.