San Francisco, USA; Hamburg, Germany - 24 July 2015: Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) today announced that it has become part of a research initiative between a newly established for-profit company of the Gladstone Institutes called Cure Network Ventures, Inc. and Dolby Family Ventures. This initiative bridges the gap between basic science and advanced drug discovery by combining highly innovative research programs with state-of-the-art drug discovery capabilities and a private funding source committed to identifying new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease ("AD"). This unique collaboration initially leverages Evotec's EVT Execute platform with defined options for transition into EVT Innovate programs.
Initially, the initiative will focus on two unique programs that aim to block key mechanisms suspected of promoting abnormal neuronal network activity and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, a disease which is affecting approximately 36 million people worldwide and which cannot be cured at the moment. One program will focus on the protein tau that accumulates in brain cells of patients with Alzheimer's disease and in other neurodegenerative disorders. The other will focus on an important ion channel that may be involved in the generation of detrimental brain rhythms in Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric conditions.
"This entrepreneurial translational model utilizes the particular strengths of the three partners and promotes their interactions, allowing for maximum leverage of all resources", says Gladstone's Vice President of Corporate Liaison and Ventures, Stephen Freedman, PhD.
Dr Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec, added: "We are excited to be part of this research initiative that combines the best-in-class ingredients of what is needed for novel and innovative drug candidates in AD. Translating academic innovation into tangible assets for the Pharma industry in an entrepreneurial framework is core to our strategy."
David Dolby, Managing Director, Dolby Family Ventures, adjoined: "We recognize the importance of generating more productive links between academia and industry. Gladstone conducts trailblazing and rigorous research to discover new therapies for Alzheimer's disease. We are honored to team up with Gladstone and Evotec to work on finding a cure."
No financial details were disclosed.