- JUST – EVOTEC BIOLOGICS WILL APPLY ITS FULLY INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE ONCORESPONSE’S LEAD PRODUCT CANDIDATE THROUGH DEVELOPMENT AND INTO THE CLINIC
Hamburg, Germany, 16 January 2020:
Evotec SE (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, MDAX/TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) today announced that its wholly-owned Seattle-based subsidiary company Just – Evotec Biologics, Inc. has established a collaborative relationship with OncoResponse, Inc., a biotech company developing human antibodies as product candidates for multiple high value targets associated with immunosuppressive myeloid biology. OncoResponse’s lead antibody product candidate, OR2805, is a fully human antibody derived from an elite responder that reverses immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment and promotes greater cancer killing that will lead to higher response rates and more cures.
Under the agreement, Just – Evotec Biologics will leverage its integrated technology platform, J.DESIGN, to provide OncoResponse with services to accelerate OR2805 into the clinic. The services include cell line development, process development, and Phase I/II cGMP clinical manufacturing of a selected drug candidate for use in human clinical trials.
Clifford Stocks, Chief Executive Officer of OncoResponse, commented: “We are thrilled to have Just – Evotec Biologics develop and manufacture our lead therapeutic antibody. Just – Evotec Biologics’ background, expertise and guidance combined with their track record and unique technology platform will play a critical role in the successful production of our molecule for clinical studies.”
Dr James Thomas, EVP Global Head Biotherapeutics, President U.S. Operations at Just – Evotec Biologics, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the experienced and dynamic team at OncoResponse on the development and manufacturing of this exciting immunotherapy approach to cancer.”
ABOUT ONCORESPONSE
OncoResponse, Inc., an immuno-oncology focused biotech company, in a broad strategic alliance with MD Anderson Cancer Center uses a proprietary B-cell technology platform to mine the immune system of cancer patients who have responded to cancer immunotherapy to discover novel targets and antibodies, and develop therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to treat cancer. OncoResponse has several antibodies directed at modulating immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment in pre-clinical development. OncoResponse, Inc. is a privately held company backed by investment from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rivervest Venture Partners, Qatar Investment Authority, Redmile Group, ARCH Venture Partners, GreatPoint Ventures, Helsinn Investment Fund, Canaan Partners, Shire, Buchang Pharma (China), Alexandria Real Estate Equities and William Marsh Rice University. For more information please visit: www.oncoresponseinc.com
ABOUT JUST - EVOTEC BIOLOGICS
Just - Evotec Biologics wholly owned by Evotec SE is a unique platform company that integrates the design, engineering, development, and manufacture of biologics. With deep experience in the fields of protein, process and manufacturing sciences, the Just team came together to solve the scientific and technical hurdles that block access to life-changing protein therapeutics; from the design of therapeutic molecules to the design of the manufacturing plants used to produce them. Our focus is to create access and value for a global market through scientific and technological innovation. Learn more at www.just.bio.
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 press release. 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.