Autoimmunity & Inflammation
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 autoimmunity 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, 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 and beyond such as iPSC cell therapy.
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 models and CRISPR technology, with the later one allowing us to knock out genes in primary human immune cells, particularly T-cells and monocytes, to validate our disease hypotheses.
Recognizing the translational limitations between rodent and human immunity, we have developed and leveraged pharmacodynamic mouse models with a 'humanized' immune system, enabling more robust target validation.
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.
Learn More on the Science Pool
- Tackling Autoimmune Disease with CAR iNK Cells >
- Navigating IBD with Evotec: From Discovery to Cure >
Our Internal R&D Efforts
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 Strategic Starting Points to Co-create Pipelines with Partners
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 and diverse target classes. and various treatment modalities.
We are well-positioned to form successful collaborations, as demonstrated by recent partnerships focused on autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory states with organizations such as UCB, Padlock, Almirall, Exscientia, Related Sciences, Dundee University, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and Imidomics.
By combining our extensive experience in target validation, our comprehensive portfolio of assays and models, and our utilization of advanced technologies like CRISPR, pharmacodynamic mouse models, and primary human samples, we are committed to advancing drug discovery efforts in the field of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
