Service division, BioFocus, will look for small molecules derived from natural sources to improve the function of CFTR.
Galapagos is partnering with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics (CFFT) in a deal worth up to $8.1 million. The research will be conducted through Galapagos’ BioFocus DPI service.
The joint effort will combine BioFocus’ expertise in natural product drug discovery and screening in cells derived from patients. Specifically, the research aims to identify small molecules derived from natural sources that improve the function of CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). This protein is found defective in people with cystic fibrosis.
Galapagos will receive $2.4 million over the next two years and up to $5.7 million for research achievements. This collaboration adds to a previously established target discovery agreement between CFFT and Biofocus, signed in 2005.