Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. These diseases are diverse and can affect various organs and systems, leading to chronic inflammation and damage.
Our immunology and inflammation team possesses extensive expertise in target validation and executing fully integrated drug discovery projects, specializing in indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, allergy and multiple sclerosis.
In Vitro & In Vivo Expertise
Over the course of 15+ years, we have developed a comprehensive portfolio of predictive in vitro assays and in vivo models, gaining expertise across various target classes, including GPCRs, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, protein-protein interactions, and cytokines.
Figure 1
Panel of autoimmune & inflammator disease in vitro assays and in vivo models established at Evotec (non-exhaustive list).
Figure 2
CRISPR-editing in primary human Tregs. Purified nTregs were in vitro expanded before CRISPR/Cas9 editing. FACS plots show the reduction in FoxP3 expression after targeted CRISPR (right plot) compared to non-targeted CRISPR control (left plot).
We incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as iPSC-derived models and CRISPR technology, with the later one allowing us to knock out genes in primary human immune cells, particularly T-cells, NK cells and monocytes, to validate novel drug targets and our disease hypotheses.
Recognizing the translational limitations between rodent and human immunity, we have developed and leveraged pharmacodynamic and disease mouse models with a 'humanized' immune system or human microbiome, enabling more robust target validation and drug discovery.
Learn More on the Science Pool
- Modeling Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice With “Humanized” Immune System >
- Genetic Screening to Identify Novel Targets Enhancing Regulatory T-Cell (Treg) Phenotype >
Understanding of Specific Drivers in Autoimmune Diseases
In conjunction with various preclinical models, we are utilizing all components of Evotec’s PanOmics driven drug discovery to increase understanding of disease through molecular profiling of patient samples, exploring preclinical disease to post-treatment states, thus, to pave the way for a precision medicine.
Our Internal R&D Efforts & Co-Created Pipelines with Partners
Our research addresses innate and adaptive immune system with a focus on 3 priority areas:
- Immunomodulation: restoring balance and promoting tolerance.
- Reset of the immune system to induce self-renewal.
- Regeneration of damaged cells and tissues and reversion of fibrosis.
Our research is modality agnostic, consisting of iPSC-based cell therapies, biotherapeutics, and small molecules. These programs are available for partnering.
Our Collaborations
Partnering with Evotec grants access to our highly dedicated scientists, who possess expertise in cutting-edge technologies, diverse target classes and various treatment modalities.
We are well-positioned to form successful collaborations, as demonstrated by recent partnerships focused on immunology and chronic inflammatory states with collaborators such as UCB, Padlock, Almirall, Exscientia, Related Sciences, Dundee University, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and Imidomics.
Leveraging our extensive experience in target validation, our comprehensive array of assays, models, and cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR, pharmacodynamic mouse models, primary human samples and molecular patient data, we are committed to advancing drug discovery efforts in the field of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
