Galapagos has discovered new drug targets (human proteins that are starting points for the development of novel drugs) using human primary cells relevant for diseases such as  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Galapagos applies these targets to find small molecules that change the activity of these proteins and thereby can influence the course of the disease.

The molecules then form the basis for the development of first-in-class medicines against these diseases. This approach is expected to yield a breakthrough in treatment by stopping the disease rather than just treating the symptoms. The first drug candidate discovered using this approach, GLPG0259, has shown good safety and a promising PK profile in Phase I studies and entered Phase II clinical studies in October 2010.  Furthermore, Galapagos is building a drug pipeline in orphan diseases - with cystic fibrosis as the first indication where Galapagos plans discover, develop and launch its own medicines.

Galapagos' service operations meet the pharma industry's need for drug discovery tools and expertise by providing a full range of services, from target discovery through to delivery of pre-clinical candidates. The main business areas of BioFocus and Argenta include biology (target discovery and screening), compound libraries, medicinal chemistry and ADME/PK services. BioFocus' and Argenta's global client base includes pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions and patient foundations. With operations in the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the US and sales offices in Japan and Singapore, the service operations are well positioned to support this client base.