The Phase I study of Galapagos NV (ADR) (NASDAQ:GLPG) GLPG3067, a treatment for cystic fibrosis, has begun. Volunteers numbering 48 have been recruited to participate in the trial for the drug, developed by Galapagos. The aim of the study is to test the safety, tolerability and other pharmacokinetic metrics. Study results are expected to be released at a medical conference to be held in the future.
Divided into three segments, the initial two segments will see the treatment assessed based on either single doses given to the participants or multiple doses. The third segment will see the treatment assessed together with GLPG222, a corrector.
Cystic Fribrosis Transmembrane Regulator
As a new potentiator, GLPG3067 is designed with the aim of treating a basic defect that is found in particular cases of cystic fibrosis. This basic defect is caused by the mutation of CFTR – Cystic Fribrosis Transmembrane Regulator. The mutation occurs when the Cystic Fribrosis Transmembrane Regulator gene fails to properly regulate chlorine movement and this results in the movement of water from the inside into the outside parts of epithelial cells which are located in the mucous glands.
When a child is born with cystic fibrosis, it is because both parents passed the mutation to the child. The disease is responsible for causing a wide range of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. In the case of respiratory problems developing, the result can be lung tissue damage and this can happen progressively. In patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, this is one of the major causes of morbidity. Among populations in the Western Hemisphere, one in 25 individuals is estimated to be a carrier of the disease.
Combination therapy
Galapagos is not working alone as it has joined hands with AbbVie Inc (NYSE:ABBV) to come up with a combination therapy. Three complementary components will be employed in the combination therapy. At the moment, healthy volunteers are being tested using the corrector GLPG2222 and the potentiator GLPG2451. The corrector GLPG2737 will be added to make it a triple combination therapy.
On Wednesday shares of Galapagos NV rose by 2.64% to close the day at $82.10.