TNO, a recognized research and technology organization for amongst others the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, and Galapagos, a leading genomics-based drug discovery company, announced today that they have entered into a multi-target characterization collaboration. In this project, TNO will apply its expertise and experience in protein chemistry to further characterize Galapagos' proprietary disease targets.

The project is part of a research program sponsored by the Dutch government through SenterNovem and will combine the capabilities and know-how of TNO and Galapagos to develop protein technologies that will allow progression of the disease targets to the drug discovery stage. The collaboration will entail the development of expression systems, protein purification and protein activity methodologies.

"TNO is delighted to further expand its relationship with Galapagos," said Renger Witkamp, Director Sales and Business Development Pharma. "Once more TNO's proven track record in providing expertise and research services to the biotechnology industry has made us the partner of choice for such a knowledge-intensive project. The collaboration also fits well in our strategy to help expand the biotechnology sector in the Netherlands."

"We are pleased to announce this collaboration with TNO," said Onno van de Stolpe, Galapagos' CEO. "We will gain access to specific expertise that will further strengthen our recent transition into a drug discovery company."