Founded in 1999 as a joint venture between Crucell and Tibotec under the leadership of founder and former CEO Onno van de Stolpe, Galapagos grew from a small Belgian-Dutch biotech startup into an internationally recognized life sciences company listed on both Euronext and Nasdaq. Over the years, the company became known for its strong research platform, landmark collaboration with Gilead Sciences, and the launch of rheumatoid arthritis drug Jyseleca.

In recent years, however, the company has undergone a profound strategic transformation. Under its second CEO Paul Stoffels, who joined in 2022, Galapagos expanded into oncology and next-generation cell therapy through the acquisitions of CellPoint and AboundBio. The company later divested its Jyseleca business to focus on innovative therapeutics in immunology and oncology.

Following a broad strategic review and evolving market conditions, the company gradually shifted away from its cell therapy ambitions and toward a new model centered on transformational business development and targeted investments in novel therapeutics.

The new name, Lakefront Biotherapeutics™, reflects that repositioning. According to the company, the rebranding signals “a forward-looking identity grounded in clarity, discipline, and ambition,” while emphasizing its focus on building a portfolio of breakthrough opportunities for patients and creating long-term stakeholder value.

The transition closes an important era in European biotech history, while opening a new phase for one of BeNelux' best-known life sciences companies.