Evotec and Galapagos enter into collaboration in the field of fibrosis
- COLLABORATION COMPRISES LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR A PROGRAMME DEVELOPED BY EVOTEC AS WELL AS ITS DRUG DISCOVERY CAPABILITIES
- EVOTEC RECEIVES UNDISCLOSED UPFRONT PAYMENT AND IS ELIGIBLE FOR POTENTIAL MILESTONES AS WELL AS ROYALTY PAYMENTS
Hamburg, Germany, and Mechelen, Belgium, 07 February 2019:
Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, MDAX/TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) and Galapagos NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) today announced a global collaboration focused on a novel target for fibrosis and other indications.
The collaboration concerns a small molecule programme, currently in pre-clinical development for the treatment of fibrotic diseases of the liver and other organs. The target has been identified and validated using Evotec’s proprietary platforms for fibrotic diseases and NASH. Evotec utilised its in-house assay development and drug screening capabilities to identify small molecule modulators against the target, which remains undisclosed.
In exchange for global commercialisation rights to Galapagos, Evotec receives an upfront payment and is eligible for potential milestone and royalty payments. Galapagos will be responsible for all further development of the programme. Furthermore, Galapagos will have access to specific screening formats at Evotec to support the final pre-clinical development.
Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Galapagos on this innovative project in an area of high unmet medical need. The team at Galapagos share our focus on novel, first-in-class therapeutic candidates and we are glad to be part of their portfolio building.”
“Following the Fibrocor deal announced early January, the collaboration with Evotec announced today again underlines our commitment to expanding our fibrosis franchise”, said Dr Piet Wigerinck, Chief Scientific Officer of Galapagos. “We highly regard the scientific know-how of Evotec, and are hence very much looking forward to collaborating with the team.”
ABOUT GALAPAGOS NV
Galapagos (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) discovers and develops small molecule medicines with novel modes of action, three of which show promising patient results and are currently in late-stage development in multiple diseases. Our pipeline comprises Phase 3 through to discovery programs in inflammation, fibrosis, osteoarthritis and other indications. Our ambition is to become a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. More information at www.glpg.com.
Galapagos Investors:
Elizabeth Goodwin
VP IR & Corporate Communications
+1 781 460 1784
Sofie Van Gijsel
Director IR
+32 485 19 14 15
ir@glpg.com
Galapagos Media:
Evelyn Fox
Director Communications
+31 6 53 591 999
communications@glpg.com
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 press release. 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.