Hamburg, Germany | Oxford, UK | Vancouver, Canada - Evotec OAI AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX 30), a leading provider of integrated, high-value-added drug discovery and development solutions, today announced that AnorMED Inc (TSX: AOM) has selected Evotec OAI to support AnorMED with the chemical development of its candidate AMD 3100, currently under evaluation in the clinic in stem cell mobilisation for stem cell transplantation in cancer patients. Using its integrated chemical and pharmaceutical development platform, EVOdevelop(TM), Evotec OAI will complete the full validation of the process to AMD 3100, including process research and development, analytical work and cGMP manufacturing, and will be responsible for producing the relevant CMC documentation for subsequent dossier filing.
 
"AnorMED is a company with an exciting portfolio of small molecules for treatment of cancer and HIV. We at Evotec OAI are looking forward to supporting AnorMED through our high quality chemical development capabilities", said Dr Mario Polywka, President, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development at Evotec OAI. "Whilst the market for contract research is still challenging, biotech companies are increasingly focusing on the development of their advanced clinical candidates. Evotec OAI does benefit from this trend in its development services as biotech companies appreciate the comprehensive solutions and the consultancy we can offer to support them in bringing new drugs to market. Collaborating with high quality biotech companies such as AnorMED validates the strength of our EVOdevelop(TM) platform."
 
"We believe AMD3100 has great potential to help cancer patients undergo successful stem cell transplantation and we recently announced the start of Phase III clinical studies in January 2005. In support of this Phase III program we have selected Evotec OAI to complete the full validation of the process for AMD3100. This decision was based on the positive work experience we have had with Evotec OAI since 2003 resulting in both the successful and reliable completion of a number of AnorMED development projects," said Dr. Renato Skerlj, VP Chemistry at AnorMED Inc.
 
Evotec OAI, through its integrated platform, EVOdevelop(TM), is ideally positioned to address needs for chemical and pharmaceutical development resources and expertise in order to allow them to move development candidates time and cost effectively through pre-clinical testing into clinical trials and ultimately to market.
EVOdevelop(TM) integrates leading skills and state-of-the-art laboratory and production facilities in process research and development, custom preparation, scale-up and manufacturing and formulation - all supported by the very best in analytical and regulatory expertise.
With over 10 years of experience Evotec OAI has a proven track record in drug development and, to date, has supported more than 200 companies, in particular biotechnology companies.
 
About Evotec OAI AG
Evotec OAI is a leader in the discovery and development of the next generation of novel small molecule based drugs through both contract research partnerships and discovery programmes for out-licensing. The Company provides innovative solutions from Target to Clinic through an unmatched range of integrated capabilities ranging from assay development and screening through to medicinal chemistry and drug manufacturing. As a result, Evotec OAI has established itself as the partner of choice for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. With over 600 people located in Hamburg, Germany and near Oxford, UK, Evotec OAI is committed to generate value to its partners, shareholders and employees through a sustainable strategy that balances short-term and long-term business opportunities.
www.evotecoai.com
 
About AnorMED Inc.
AnorMED is a chemistry-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of new therapeutic products in the areas of hematology, HIV and oncology. The Company has four products in clinical development and a research program focused on a novel class of compounds that target specific chemokine receptors known to be involved in a variety of diseases. Information on AnorMED Inc. is available on the Company's website: www.anormed.com

Contact: Anne Hennecke, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Evotec OAI AG, Phone: +49-40-56081-286, anne.hennecke@evotecoai.com
Contact: Anne Hennecke, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Evotec OAI AG, Phone: +49-40-56081-286, anne.hennecke@evotecoai.com