What: Shares of the Belgian-based drugmaker Galapagos NV (GLPG -0.92%) gained over 17% today on heavy volume following a positive clinical update for the company's experimental JAK1 inhibitor, filgotinib, indicated for moderate to severe Crohn's disease. In a midstage study, filgotinib generated a 48% clinical remission rate, which was statistically significant when compared to patients taking a placebo, according to a 10-week interim analysis of the data. The company noted that the drug has also been generally well-tolerated in the study so far.
So what: Last September, AbbVie (ABBV 1.05%) returned all rights to filgotinib to Galapagos after the company decided to develop its own JAK1 inhibitor, ABT-494, instead. AbbVie's decision was reportedly based on the belief that ABT-494 is more effective and has a cleaner safety profile than filgotinib. As many investors thought AbbVie was going to go with filgotinib -- or perhaps develop both compounds simultaneously -- Galapagos' shares ended up taking a beating following this news, losing around a third of their value in a single day. Therefore, this positive clinical development for filgotinib would seem to provide at least some comfort for Galapagos' weary shareholders that were hoping the company would fetch a high-dollar buyout from its former partner.
Now what: Per the press release, Galapagos intends on advancing filgotinib into a pivotal late-stage study as soon as possible. Before investors get too excited, though, it's important to understand that there are several other experimental treatments in ongoing trials for Crohn's disease, including ABT-494. Thus, filgotinib will need to be able to differentiate itself from currently available therapies -- and any forthcoming competitors -- in this increasingly crowded space to be a major value driver for Galapagos going forward. That's why I'm willing to watch this small-cap biotech safely from the sidelines for the moment.
