VR1 Antagonist Program
- Potential for safe, best-in-class analgesic
- Potential in other indications including urinary incontinence, asthma
- Exclusive worldwide collaboration with Pfizer
- Planned Phase I studies in mid 2008
Expanded Partnership with Pfizer, Planned Phase I in 2008
Certain ion channels are known to be key mediators of pain signaling. A specific family of ion channels known as transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, are attractive targets for drug discovery. TRPV1 (VR1 - vanilloid receptor 1) is one specific member that has compelling preclinical validation as a target for the treatment of a number of different pain states. Evotec's VR1 program is partnered with Pfizer.
In this global alliance, Evotec's and Pfizer's combined research and development teams are working together to design drugs that block VR1 and prevent it from signaling the sensation of pain. If successful, Evotec expect to have an effective, non-narcotic, non-addictive and non-steroidal analgesic to treat chronic pain, with minimal side effects.
Evotec have demonstrated oral analgesic efficacy in multiple preclinical models of pain. In addition, given VR1's role in inflammatory disease pathologies, it may also be possible to develop treatments for non-neurological conditions, such as urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome and asthma.
With Pfizer's extension of the program in 2007, Evotec expects one of these compounds to advance into human clinical trials in 2008. Although the joint research phase officially ends in June 2008, Evotec are eligible to receive total milestone payments of more than $170 million and double-digit royalties on worldwide net sales per product successfully developed and commercialized under this collaboration.
