Hamburg, Germany - Evotec Neurosciences GmbH (ENS), a subsidiary of Evotec OAI AG (Deutsche Börse: EVT, TecDAX 30), today announced that it has acquired from Roche an exclusive worldwide license to develop and market an extensive patent portfolio covering NMDA receptor NR2B subtype selective antagonists for the treatment of a variety of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's Disease, neuropathic pain and Parkinson's Disease. Roche has retained rights to reacquire the compounds in the future. Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
 
The novel compounds are in late pre-clinical development. They show a considerably improved side effect profile compared to non-selective NMDA receptor antagonists and include structures with good oral availability.
 
Dr John Kemp, CEO of Evotec Neurosciences AG, was closely involved in the discovery and development of the compounds in his previous role as the former head of CNS research at Roche, Basel.
 
Dr Kemp commented: "We are delighted to have acquired the license to this broad portfolio of patents covering both injectable and orally active NMDA receptor NR2B subtype selective antagonists. They broaden our CNS portfolio significantly, supplementing our Alzheimer's collaboration with Takeda and a number of promising internal programmes. Recent pre-clinical and clinical data has shown that while these subtype selective compounds retain the therapeutic potential of non-selective NMDA receptor antagonists, they are much less prone to adverse side-effects."
 
About Evotec Neurosciences GmbH
Evotec Neurosciences GmbH (ENS), established in May 1999, is a majority-held affiliate of Evotec OAI AG employing 25 people at its main site in Hamburg, Germany. The company is dedicated to developing better therapeutic products for the treatment of major CNS disorders. Its current focus is on Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological disorders. The company's strength is the seamless integration of target identification and validation, drug discovery and development through the leading platform of Evotec OAI and the research excellence of renowned pre-clinical and clinical partners.
ENS' short to medium term strategy is to build a broad and well-balanced product portfolio, from validated targets to pre-clinical candidates, IND's and clinical compounds.
http://www.evotec-neurosciences.com
 
Contact:
Evotec Neurosciences GmbH
Dr. John A. Kemp
CEO
Phone: +49.(0)40.56081-238
E-Mail: john.kemp@evotec-neurosciences.com