Evotec AG and Galapagos NV (GLPG) has recently announced a global collaboration focused on a novel treatment for fibrosis and other indications.
The collaboration reportedly concerns a small molecule program, in pre-clinical development phase for the treatment of fibrotic diseases of liver and other vital organs. According to sources, the target has been identified and authenticated using Evotec’s proprietary platforms. They also revealed that Evotec leveraged its in-house drug screening capabilities & assay development to identify small molecule modulators compared to the target, which remains undisclosed.
As per reliable reports, Evotec is expected to receive an upfront payment in exchange for the worldwide commercialization rights to Galapagos. In addition, the drug discovery & development company will also be eligible for potential milestone and royalty payments. Furthermore, Galapagos will take the responsibility of further development of the program and will have access to Evotec’s specific screening formats to back the pre-clinical development.
Dr. Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer, Evotec, was quoted saying that the company is pleased to collaborate with Galapagos on the state-of-the-art project which comes under the arena of highly unmet medical need. He further added that both the companies share same focus on first-in-the-class and novel therapeutic candidates and the team is glad to be a part of Galapagos portfolio.
For the record, Evotech focuses on rapidly developing innovative product approaches with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy groups, academics, and venture capitalists. The company has established expertise in key therapeutic areas including diabetes, neuronal diseases, pain and inflammation, infectious diseases, oncology, respiratory diseases, and fibrosis.
As reported by Dr. Piet Wigerinck, Chief Scientific Officer, Galapagos, the latest collaboration highlights the company’s commitment in developing its fibrosis franchise. The move is further expected to help Galapagos utilize Evotec’s scientific know-how in becoming a globally leading biopharmaceutical company emphasizing on development & commercialization of innovative medicines.
