Galapagos to decide on fate of cell therapy business ‘within weeks’

Core Insights - Galapagos, a Belgian biotechnology company, has experienced significant volatility over the past decade, particularly following a major partnership with Gilead Sciences in 2015, which was expanded in 2019 with a $5.1 billion deal [3][4] - The company's American depositary receipts (ADRs) saw a dramatic decline from a peak of over $274 in February 2020 to below $23 in February 2025, although recent restructuring efforts have led to a recovery, with ADRs trading around $35 [4] - As part of its restructuring, Galapagos announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies, retaining the Galapagos name for its cell therapy unit and appointing Henry Gosebruch as CEO of the spinout [5] Company Developments - In May 2023, Galapagos indicated a potential change in its restructuring plan, and by July, it was considering a sale of its cell therapy business [6] - The company has reported interest from a "limited number" of potential buyers for its cell therapy business, primarily consisting of financial investors, and is currently engaged in due diligence with these parties [8] - Fully-financed, binding offers for the cell therapy business are expected within weeks, with a decision on whether to divest or pursue alternative actions to be announced by November 5, coinciding with the release of third-quarter financial results [8]