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.

ABOUT THE GLADSTONE INSTITUTES

To ensure our work does the greatest good, the Gladstone Institutes focuses on conditions with profound medical, economic, and social impact-unsolved diseases of the brain, the heart, and the immune system. Affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco, Gladstone is an independent, nonprofit life science research organization that uses visionary science and technology to overcome disease. Cure Network Ventures, Inc. is a for-profit company created and owned by the Gladstone Institutes. Its business structure is designed to attract partners and investors interested in enhancing the full potential of novel disease targets and mechanisms discovered through the basic and translational research conducted at the Gladstone Institutes.

ABOUT DOLBY FAMILY VENTURES

Dolby Family Ventures is an early stage venture firm. The fund honors the legacy of Ray Dolby and his commitment to engineers and their vision to solve the world's toughest problems. The fund invests in technologies and tools to accelerate basic research, pharmaceutical development, clinical trials and specific treatments to Alzheimer's disease. Dolby Family Ventures is jointly managed by David Dolby, son of Ray Dolby, and veteran venture capitalist Pascal Levensohn.

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 report. 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.