AbbVie says it will advance ABT-494, its internally developed investigational selective JAK1 inhibitor, to Phase III studies in rheumatoid arthritis. Following a thorough review of available data, AbbVie will not exercise its right to in-license the Galapagos JAK1 inhibitor, filgotinib.

“We believe ABT-494 has the potential to become a best-in-class therapy for patients,” said Michael Severino, executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie, in a company statement. “In our view, ABT-494 also offers a faster path to Phase III development with less uncertainty.”

Per the terms of the agreement with Galapagos, all rights to filgotinib will revert solely to Galapagos.

Source: AbbVie