Almirall and Galapagos join forces in a research programme.

-collaboration is for the treatment of respiratory diseases

-the value of this partnership could reach 7.5 million euros

Barcelona (Spain) and Mechelen (Belgium), January 2012.- AlmirallS.A. (ALM)(MC) announced last Wednesday that has formed a research partnership with BioFocus, subsidiary of Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG).

This three-year Alliance aims to identify new molecules directed towards a target of interest for Almirall in the respiratory field. Under the agreement, BioFocus apply its comprehensive drug discovery capabilities while Almirall will provide specific expertise on respiratory joint experimental effort. The value of this collaboration to BioFocus could reach 7.5 million euros.

Seleccionamos BioFocus to the Alliance by the excellent scientific and technological socket between the companies, ” says Dr. Bertil Lindmark, Executive Director of r & d of Almirall.

We are very pleased to form an alliance with one of the leading European pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery research ”, added Dr. Chris Newton, Galapagos Services Senior Vice President and Director General of BioFocus.

Breathing is a key area of research for Almirall, gastrointestinal and dermatology, where the company is especially committed to offer new therapeutic solutions.

Almirall

Almirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. With headquarters in Barcelona (Spain), Almirall researches, develops, produces and sells drugs own r & d and licensing with the aim of improving the health and well-being of people.

The therapeutic areas in which concentrates its resources in research are related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), gastrointestinal disorders, psoriasis and other skin complaints forms.

Almirall drugs are currently present in over 70 countries. It has direct presence in Europe and Latin America through 12 subsidiaries.

BioFocus

BioFocus provides integrated services for the discovery of drugs that allow to identify compounds candidates for preclinical development in all therapeutic, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory, areas with growing experience in rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and capabilities integrated drug discovery that apply to projects of its customers to provide targets, hits, leads and composite candidates for preclinical development. The company has more than 220 scientists highly qualified and experienced in its three research centres in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Since its founding in 1997, BioFocus has endeavoured to produce high quality data for their clients and this quality is guaranteed by ISO9001 qualification validated by independent of all the research centers of BioFocus and regular inspections.

Galapagos

Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG;) OTC: GLPYY) is a biotechnology company for medium-sized, specialized in the discovery and development of small molecules and antibodies as therapies with novel modes of action. The company moves one of the largest portfolios of products in biotechnology, with seven programmes in phase of development and more than 50 in research phase. Through equity risk/benefit with GlaxoSmithKline, Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Roche and Servier, Galapagos could receive up to €2.8 billion in payments associated with milestones, more rights the Group Galapagos has approximately 800 employees and operates facilities in six countries, with headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium.