The Belgian biotech's president, Bart Filius, tells Scrip that exiting the metabolic disease and osteoarthritis space and focusing on inflammation makes sense to "bring a bit more balance in terms of risk into our portfolio."

After a difficult spell for the Belgian biotech, positive interim data from two key studies looking at testicular toxicity concerns over filgotinib suggest a pathway for potential future US approval of the Gilead-partnered JAK inhibitor for IBD.

A disappointing meeting with the FDA means "we no longer see a viable path to US approval in this indication,” said Gilead CEO Daniel O'Day, as Galapagos assumes sole responsibility for the commercialization of the JAK inhibitor in Europe.