MECHELEN, BELGIUM and BARCELONA, SPAIN--(Marketwire - Jan 25, 2012) -

* Three-year integrated drug discovery alliance is for identifying drug development candidates for treating respiratory disease

* The value of this collaboration could reach EUR7.5 million

Almirall, S.A. (ALM.MC) announced today that has formed a research alliance with BioFocus, an affiliate from Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG).

The three-year alliance is aimed at delivering drug development candidates directed to a key respiratory target of interest to Almirall. Under the terms of the collaboration, BioFocus will apply its integrated drug discovery capabilities whilst Almirall will bring in respiratory specific knowhow to the joint experimental effort. The value of this collaboration to BioFocus could reach EUR7.5 million.

"We selected BioFocus for this alliance because of the excellent technology and scientific fit between both companies," said Dr. Bertil Lindmark, CSO, Executive Director R&D of Almirall.

"We are delighted to form a drug discovery alliance with one of Europe's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies," added Dr. Chris Newton, SVP Galapagos Services and Managing Director, BioFocus.

Respiratory is a key research focus for Almirall together with gastrointestinal and dermatology areas where the company is especially engaged to offer new therapeutic solutions.

About Almirall

Almirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, it researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people's health and wellbeing.

Almirall focuses its research resources on therapeutic areas related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), gastrointestinal disorders, psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

Almirall's products are currently present in over 70 countries while it has direct presence in Europe and Latin America through 12 affiliates.

For further information please visit the website at: [ www.almirall.com ]

About BioFocus

BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capability in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and with a growing track record of delivering candidates against rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and candidate pre-clinical drugs. The company employs over 220 exceptionally qualified and industry experienced scientists at its three research centers in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Since its foundation in 1997, BioFocus has striven to produce high quality data for its clients and this quality is assured by ISO9001 qualification validated by regular, independent inspection of all BioFocus research centers. For more information visit: [ www.biofocus.com ]

About Galapagos

Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG) (PINKSHEETS: [ GLPYY ]) is a mid-size biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule and antibody therapies with novel modes-of-action. The Company is progressing GLPG0634, as well as one of the largest pipelines in biotech, with seven programs in development and over 50 discovery programs. The Galapagos Group has about 800 employees and operates facilities in six countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium. More info at: [ www.glpg.com ]

This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "could," "stands to," and "continues," as well as similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Galapagos, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. Galapagos expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation.

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