Evotec Technologies: EVOscreen® Mark III Successfully Passed Site Acceptance Testing at Novartis 

Hamburg, Germany - Evotec Technologies GmbH, a subsidiary of Evotec OAI AG (Neuer Markt: EVT) providing innovative technologies for life sciences, announced today the implementation of the second ultra-high-throughput screening (uHTS) system to its long-term partner Novartis, Basle, Switzerland. In addition to EVOscreen® Mark II the next generation Mark III now successfully passed site acceptance (SAT) procedures ahead of time.
During a period of three weeks several functional, robustness and precision tests were performed including the screening of biochemical and cellular assays as well as 24 hour runs. "The results achieved in terms of robustness, precision and data quality were excellent and significantly exceeded the agreed pass criteria", said Dr Johannes Ottl, Labhead Nanoscreening at Novartis Pharma AG.
 
"We are very proud of the excellent results achieved in a remarkable team effort. I want to thank all employees involved at Evotec and Novartis for their continued support," said Dr Timm Jessen, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec OAI. "We once again demonstrated our ability to successfully deliver cutting edge technology systems with the help of our experience in drug discovery technologies in close collaboration with our long-term partner Novartis."
 
"We are very satisfied by the technological specifications of the MarkIII screening system and the close and productive collaboration between the teams at Novartis and Evotec", said Dr Lorenz Mayr, Technology Program Head, Assay Development and Nanoscreening at Novartis Pharma AG.
 
The EVOscreen® Mark III system has been built on the success of the EVOscreen® Mark II design. Mark III, however, now integrates a series of important technological advances. Evotec Technologies' proprietary single molecule reader as well as parallel dispensing of micropumps enable the throughput of above 100,000 tests per day in homogenous as well as cellular assay systems. In addition, the open system architecture simplifies the use of external components giving Evotec Technologies the flexibility to stay on the cutting edge of screening technology combining its own developments with standard external solutions.
 
About Evotec OAI AG
Evotec OAI offers a comprehensive range of high-value added services and products required to increase the efficiency and at the same time reduce the risk in the identification of new drugs. By integrating proprietary state-of-the-art technologies and processes in biology, chemistry and screening, the Company has established a unique position for all the critical elements in the drug discovery and development process - from target to clinical development. Due to its extensive know how and experience Evotec OAI is the ideal partner for pharma and biotech companies world-wide. To date, Evotec OAI has completed over 1,200 projects with 150 companies, including all of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies and major biotechs.
The Company employs more than 600 people, primarily at its two main sites at Hamburg in Germany and Abingdon in the UK. Subsidiaries are located in Europe and North America. In 2001 Evotec OAI achieved revenues of EUR 63.2 million. Evotec OAI shares are listed on the Neuer Markt of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since November 1999 (NM: EVT).

About Evotec Technologies GmbH
Evotec Technologies GmbH (ET) is a newly formed subsidiary of Evotec OAI AG focused on technology development and instrumentation. As an innovative technology provider the company serves current and future needs of all life sciences serving end-users and industrial partners.
With a broad scientific knowledge base ET offers innovative solutions for complex life sciences applications. The company focuses on the seamless integration of hardware, software and bioware modules, combining cutting-edge technologies for measurement, miniaturisation and automation. To this end ET has available a unique set of validated core technologies which range from single molecule detection and cell processing to generic assays. ET's range of products include concepts, prototypes, modules and integrated systems, instruments, software, disposables and reagents. EVOscreen®, Evotec OAI's high-resolution uHTS system, represents only the most prominent example of solutions resulting from this approach. It has been successfully integrated into Novartis', GlaxoSmithKline's and Pfizer's drug discovery units.
Evotec Technologies employs 80 people, primarily in Hamburg, Germany. Subsidiaries are located in Düsseldorf and Berlin.