BridGene Biosciences has expanded its collaboration with Galapagos NV in January 2024, focusing on the discovery of oral SMARCA2 small-molecule proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC). The extended partnership could potentially earn BridGene up to USD 159 million from upfront, preclinical, clinical, and commercial milestone payments as well as potential royalties on sales.

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, BridGene will use its PROTAC discovery technology in combination with Galapagos' expertise in ATPase small molecules. Following the successful advancement of the molecule into a preclinical progression stage, Galapagos will gain exclusive rights for further development and commercialization. 

Analyst Quicktake: The strategic collaboration and licensing agreement between BridGene Biosciences and Galapagos NV was first established in January 2024 . The purpose of the collaboration was to discover novel small-molecule drug candidates against select targets using BridGene’s IMTAC chemoproteomics platform. Galapagos was granted exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the candidates, agreeing to pay BirdGene upfront and preclinical research milestone payments of USD 27 million, clinical and commercial milestone payments of up to USD 700 million, and royalties on potential future sales.