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Galapagos to Exit Cell Therapy After Failed Sale
Galapagos to Exit Cell Therapy After Failed Sale
Galapagos will close its cell therapy unit after failing to secure a buyer, impacting 365 employees and multiple global sites. The Belgian biotech shifts focus to acquisitions and building its medicine pipeline.
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Cell Therapy Wind-Down and Impact
Decision Details
Galapagos has confirmed the wind-down of its cell therapy business after a formal sale process failed to secure a buyer. The company, once a key biotech player in Europe and the US, cited a lack of viable bids following a July 2025 process that drew only nonbinding offers (BioPharma Dive).
Job Loss and Site Closures
About 365 employees—over half Galapagos’ workforce as of 2024—face layoffs.
Sites affected: Leiden (Netherlands), Basel (Switzerland), Princeton and Pittsburgh (US), Shanghai (China).
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Source:
Reuters
Source:
Shutterstock
Board Decision and Community Impact
Corporate Governance
The board’s vote was unanimous, with Gilead-appointed directors recused (Galapagos press release).
Community and Employee Consequences
Layoffs will impact scientific, operational, and administrative staff across Europe, the US, and China.
No public transition plan for patients yet; operations continue during the wind-down.
Looking Ahead
Galapagos plans to retain its headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium, with continued focus on non-cell therapy medicines. Updates on patient impacts and company plans are expected in the upcoming Q3 2025 earnings report (company website).
Board Decision and Community Impact
Corporate Governance
The board’s vote was unanimous, with Gilead-appointed directors recused (Galapagos press release).
Community and Employee Consequences
Layoffs will impact scientific, operational, and administrative staff across Europe, the US, and China.
No public transition plan for patients yet; operations continue during the wind-down.
Looking Ahead
Galapagos plans to retain its headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium, with continued focus on non-cell therapy medicines. Updates on patient impacts and company plans are expected in the upcoming Q3 2025 earnings report (company website).
What are the main reasons behind Galapagos' decision to wind down its cell therapy business?
Galapagos failed to attract viable bids for the cell therapy unit, leading to a board-approved wind-down after an extensive sale process.
What are the main reasons behind Galapagos' decision to wind down its cell therapy business?
Galapagos failed to attract viable bids for the cell therapy unit, leading to a board-approved wind-down after an extensive sale process.
What are the main reasons behind Galapagos' decision to wind down its cell therapy business?
Galapagos failed to attract viable bids for the cell therapy unit, leading to a board-approved wind-down after an extensive sale process.
How will the wind-down of the cell therapy business impact Galapagos' overall strategy?
How will the wind-down of the cell therapy business impact Galapagos' overall strategy?
How will the wind-down of the cell therapy business impact Galapagos' overall strategy?
What alternatives did Galapagos consider before deciding to wind down the cell therapy business?
What alternatives did Galapagos consider before deciding to wind down the cell therapy business?
What alternatives did Galapagos consider before deciding to wind down the cell therapy business?
How will the layoffs affect the communities in Leiden, Basel, Princeton, Pittsburgh, and Shanghai?
How will the layoffs affect the communities in Leiden, Basel, Princeton, Pittsburgh, and Shanghai?
How will the layoffs affect the communities in Leiden, Basel, Princeton, Pittsburgh, and Shanghai?
What are the potential long-term consequences for Galapagos employees affected by this decision?
What are the potential long-term consequences for Galapagos employees affected by this decision?
What are the potential long-term consequences for Galapagos employees affected by this decision?
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