HAMBURG, Germany, March 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evotec AG (Frankfurt:EVT) (TecDAX) (ISIN:DE0005664809) and Second Genome, Inc. today announced a collaboration in small molecule-based discovery and development activities for the treatment of microbiome-mediated diseases. The collaboration comprises the identification and optimisation of novel compounds as well as licence agreements for already existing assets developed by Evotec. Second Genome's unique approach to identify and modulate microbiome-mediated pathways will be further enhanced by the use and the results of Evotec's integrated drug discovery platform.
As part of the collaboration, Second Genome and Evotec will work together to screen microbiome-mediated targets of interest identified by the Second Genome microbiome discovery platform with Evotec's technology platform, chemical libraries and other pre-clinical capabilities. The agreement between Evotec and Second Genome triggers an undisclosed upfront payment. Evotec is also eligible for pre-clinical, clinical and regulatory milestones as well as royalty payments related to commercialisation.
Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: "We are pleased to contribute to Second Genome's unique approach to treat microbiome-mediated diseases in the body with a particular emphasis on the gut. The enrichment and maturation of Second Genome's project portfolio through our contributions will enhance the Company's clinical pipeline in the near future."
Mohan Iyer, Chief Business Officer of Second Genome, added: "The partnership with Evotec allows us efficiently to translate our unique microbiome discovery platform efficiently into tangible drug molecules for clinical development. Our enriched pipeline offers new treatment approaches for patients across a wide range of diseases with an initial focus on inflammatory conditions. We look forward to a sustained partnership with Evotec."
Further financial terms were not disclosed.
ABOUT EVOTEC AG
Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academics, patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists. We operate worldwide providing the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery solutions, covering all activities from target-to-clinic. The Company has established a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuroscience, pain, metabolic diseases as well as oncology, inflammation and infectious diseases. Evotec has long-term discovery alliances with partners including Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, CHDI, Genentech, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune/AstraZeneca, Roche and UCB. In addition, the Company has existing development partnerships and product candidates both in clinical and pre-clinical development. These include partnerships with Boehringer Ingelheim and MedImmune in the field of diabetes, with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in the field of depression and with Roche in the field of Alzheimer's disease. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com.
ABOUT SECOND GENOME
Second Genome's mission is to transform lives with medicines developed through innovative microbiome science. Second Genome has built a novel platform for microbiome drug discovery and is engaged in active programmes in multiple areas of significant unmet medical need. Please visit www.secondgenome.com for more information.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS — Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this report. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.