Galapagos Initiates Closure of its Cell Therapy Operations
The biotechnology group Galapagos announced on January 5th the decision of its board of directors to commence the closure of its cell therapy operations, following the completion of consultations with the works councils in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Decision Following Strategic Review
According to the press release, Galapagos management had announced on October 21, 2025, its intention to terminate its cell therapy operations after a thorough strategic review and a divestiture process that included exploring potential divestiture options. This decision was subject to consultation with the works councils in Belgium and the Netherlands, which has now been completed. CEO Henry Gosebruch indicated that the group will now focus on executing this closure and seek to continue Galapagos' evolution through transformative business development operations.
Impact on Employees and Facilities
The company stated that this closure will affect approximately 365 employees across Europe, the United States, and China. It will lead to the shutdown of sites in Leiden in the Netherlands, Basel in Switzerland, Princeton and Pittsburgh in the United States, and Shanghai in China. Following the completion of this operation, the remaining organization of Galapagos will be repositioned for long-term growth through transformative business development. The group will maintain a dedicated presence at its headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium, as well as its offices in Chicago and San Francisco in the United States.
Continuation of Non-Cell Therapy Activities
According to the press release, non-cell therapy activities, including the TYK2 GLPG3667 program, will continue to be managed by Galapagos. The company indicates that it will evaluate all strategic alternatives for GLPG3667, including resuming its partnership process, to accelerate development in dermatomyositis and potentially other severe autoimmune indications. As of December 31, 2025, Galapagos had approximately 3.0 billion euros in cash, cash equivalents, and financial investments. The group will provide an update regarding the estimated timetable and potential costs associated with the closure, expected to be in a range similar to that previously indicated, as well as forward-looking financial forecasts during the publication of its 2025 annual results on February 23, 2026, and its conference call on February 24, 2026.
