GLPGF - Gilead And Galapagos: Filgotinib Ulcerative Colitis Trial Review

Background

Yesterday, Gilead (GILD) and Galapagos (GLPG) finally released phase 3 results from their filgotinib trials in ulcerative colitis.

Having followed the crowded space for novel ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease agents very closely for many years, I think the results were disappointing.

In a nutshell, filgotinib is a systemic JAK1 inhibitor which was expected to provide similar or better efficacy than Pfizer's (PFE) tofacitinib (or Xeljanz), but less side effects. Filgotinib inhibits JAK1 selectively. While less selective JAK inhibitors (e.g. tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib) already are available and