By Dave Sebastian 



  Gilead Sciences Inc. and Galapagos NV said their arthritis drug got a scientific recommendation from the European Medicines Agency to grant marketing authorization in Europe. 


  The recommendation comes after phase 2 and 3 studies for the drug, Jyseleca, met primary endpoints, the companies said Friday. 


  The European Commission will now review the recommendation, with an expected decision in the third quarter, the companies said. If authorized, the company can market the drug in the European Union's 27 countries. 


  The companies said the once-daily filgotinib had a consistent clinical safety profile when applied as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate during the trials. 


  Write to Dave Sebastian at dave.sebastian@wsj.com