Hamburg, Germany - 27 October 2010: Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX) today announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Apeiron Biologics AG, to initially identify small molecule modulators of DREAM (Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator), a novel target involved in perception of various pain mechanisms. Further projects will be evaluated to potentially expand this cooperation in due course.

Evotec will apply, in a first instance, its expertise in cellular assay development with opportunities for the project to rapidly move into hit identification and beyond.

Dr Hans Loibner, Chief Executive Officer at Apeiron Biologics, commented: "Combining our two companies' skills is an excellent way to move forward with this innovative and promising project. We have worked with Evotec in the past and continue to be impressed by the quality of the work performed there."

Dr Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer at Evotec stated: "Apeiron is certainly one of the most exciting young biotech companies in Europe. We are happy that through the optimal use of R&D outsourcing Evotec can add value here."

No financial details are disclosed. 

ABOUT DREAM

Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator (DREAM) is a key molecule for pain regulation: By binding on the respective DNA-promoter region, DREAM inhibits the synthesis of the endogenous opioid precursor prodynorphin and therefore may represent a new target for the treatment of pain. As shown by DREAM knock-out mice, loss of DREAM broadly reduces pain, ranging from acute chemical, heat, or mechanical to internal, inflammatory, and chronic neuropathic pain.
Substances that release DREAM from the respective DNA and thereby activate the synthesis of the endogenous opioid precursor prodynorphin in essence are not analgesics per se, but trigger the production of endogenous opioids in the treated individual. Following high throughput screening and hit optimization, a first set of compounds already has been identified that selectively release bound DREAM from the respective DNA motif.

Forward-Looking Statements

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