Leiden, the Netherlands,  January 13, 2014 / B3C newswire / - MIMETAS and Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG) have entered into a research collaboration on the development of organ-on-a-chip-based human disease models for new medicine development.

The companies will collaborate to develop miniaturized 3D cell culture models that mimic specific aspects of human diseases. These models will be applied to the identification and improvement of novel compounds. Dr. Richard Janssen, Senior Director of Target Discovery at Galapagos, states: “The MIMETAS platform is the first to combine organ-on-a-chip technology with our high throughput screening of primary human cells. As we see it, OrganoPlates™ make 3D culture as straightforward as traditional cell culture.”

Dr. Jos Joore, MIMETAS’ CBO underscores this notion: “This agreement is a crucial step forward for MIMETAS and for the organ-on-a-chip field in general. Galapagos sets an example as one of the first drug discovery companies worldwide to implement innovative organ-on-a-chip technologies. This collaboration helps us to further validate our technology, by enabling development of unique novel compounds with unique human disease models.”

Financial and technological details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

  About MIMETAS   MIMETAS develops organ-on-a-chip technology for testing of new medicines. Its unique microfluidic technology enables testing of new medicines in high-throughput on miniaturized organ models. These models have better predictivity compared to laboratory animals and conventional cell culture models. The MIMETAS OrganoPlate™ platform allows 3D cell culture under continuous perfusion and for membrane-free co-culture, boundary and gradient formation. MIMETAS develops and validates customized disease, toxicology and transport models and ultimately will make its technology available for personalized therapy selection.

About Galapagos Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline comprising of six Phase 2 studies (three led by GSK), one Phase 1 study, five pre-clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications. The Galapagos Group, including fee-for-service companies BioFocus, Argenta and Fidelta , has around 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium.

Contact Galapagos NV Richard Janssen, Sr Director Target Discovery Richard.janssen@glpg.com +31 71 7506 700

Contact MIMETAS BV Jos Joore, Chief Business Officer j.joore@mimetas.com +31 651 696 884

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