BioFocus DPI, Galapagos’ service division, has signed a contract with UCB to supply chemistry services in the UK for one of UCB’s medicinal chemistry programs. The total contract value for Galapagos could potentially exceed $6 million. Galapagos is also eligible to receive as much as $749,000 in success-based payments.
    
UCB will transfer a team of chemists to BioFocus DPI from UCB’s recently closed Cambridge research site and BioFocus DPI will continue UCB’s chemistry work for the program towards candidate selection stage. Under the contract, UCB will provide biology support for the program.
   
“This agreement demonstrates BioFocus DPI’s flexibility in meeting client needs,” said Chris Newton, senior vice president of BioFocus DPI. “This innovative deal structure allows UCB to progress their program externally while applying the specific project expertise that UCB has already built internally.”
   
“UCB is delighted to be able to work with BioFocus DPI in this way, combining our expertise to advance this program towards development,” said Dr. Neil Weir, senior vice president research, UCB.