Overall, Galapagos works to develop small-molecule treatments for patients with a variety of conditions. In a recent press release, the company reported positive top-line data from the Phase 2 PINTA clinical trial. During the trial, researchers evaluated 100mg GLPG1205 for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

GLPG1205

Within the PINTA trial, researchers analyzed a daily 100mg dose of GLPG1205 for IPF. The treatment is orally-administered. 68 patients enrolled in the trial. During the study, patients received either GLPG1205 of a placebo for a 26-week (~6 month) period. While receiving treatment, patients were also given the chance to continue with their standard-of-care.

GLPG1205 is an investigational GPR84 antagonist. Through its proprietary target discovery platform, Galapagos is able to identify potential therapeutic targets; it is through this that Galapagos identified GPR84. In pre-clinical models and studies of IPF, GLPG1205 showed treatment promise. In the PINTA trial, GLPG1205 slowed FVC decline. It was relatively safe and well-tolerated, particularly when taken alone or with pirfenidone. Side effects included nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

When taken with nintedanib, another standard-of-care treatment, GLPG1205 was less well-tolerated. A number of high-grade adverse reactions occurred, causing some patients to discontinue the trial. Although one death occurred in this patient group, it was unrelated to treatment. In the future, Galapagos hopes to hold a Phase 2b trial to evaluate the proper dosing for GLPG1205.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Altogether, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is aptly named; idiopathic means of unknown cause, pulmonary relates to the lungs, and fibrosis refers to the hardening or tightening of scar tissue. So IPF occurs when lung tissue scars from an unknown reason. As fibrosis occurs, it prevents enough oxygen from entering into the blood. An estimated 100,000 Americans have IPF. Unfortunately, once the condition is diagnosed, life expectancy is only around 3 to 5 years. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath / difficulty breathing
• A persistent, nonproductive cough
• Pneumonia
• Unintended weight loss
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Blood clots in the lungs
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Muscle and joint pain
• Exercise intolerance
• Clubbed fingers and toes
• Lung cancer