SLAS2026

CRISPR Screening Platform for the Discovery and Validation of Novel Immune Cell-Modulating Targets in I&I and I/O

Poster Number: 1237-C

Date and Time: Tuesday 10th February 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presenter: Kamran Honarnejad, Group Leader, In Vitro Biology

Evotec have built a fully integrated CRISPR platform in primary human immune cells to identify and validate new therapeutic targets in autoimmune/inflammatory (I&I) and immuno‑oncology (I/O) diseases. Using a large‑scale, arrayed CRISPR knockout screen of over 8,000 druggable genes in primary human T cells, we identified novel regulators of Treg biology. Hits were prioritized with patient transcriptomic data and validated through orthogonal functional assays and high‑throughput genotyping, revealing robust, disease‑relevant targets. This platform delivers high‑confidence starting points for the development of next‑generation Treg‑targeted therapies in autoimmunity and cancer.

Automated High-Throughput Sample Preparation for Non-Reduced Capillary Electrophoresis Using a Tecan Fluent Platform

Poster Number: 1034-E

Date and Time: Wednesday 11th February 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presenter: Sarina Vafa, Associate Scientist, High Throughput Analytics (Just-Evotec Biologics)

Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) is a critical analytical technique for purity analysis and characterization of biologics. However, manual sample preparation is often time-consuming. We developed a partially automated workflow for non-reduced CE (nrCE) sample preparation using a Tecan Fluent liquid handling platform with key steps of sample dilutions, buffer addition, heating and loading. Method development focused on optimizing liquid classes, minimizing cross-contamination and maintaining user flexibility. The automated workflow demonstrates analytical equivalence to the manual workflow and significantly reduces hands-on time for up to 96 samples at a time. Future development will focus on achieving end-to-end automation and adaptation for other methods with complex and time-consuming sample handling - such as reduced CE (rCE), imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (iclEF) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC).

Partnered for Performance: A Strategic Sample Management Outsourcing Model Accelerating Pharma/Biotech R&D

Poster Number: 1374-E

Date and Time: Wednesday 11th February 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presenter: Olivier Casamitjana, EVP Global Sample Management Head

Increasing pressure for faster and more flexible drug discovery workflows is driving the evolution of outsourcing models for Sample Management. In partnership with a pharmaceutical client, Evotec developed a hybrid, co‑located solution that places our Sample Management team directly alongside the client’s R&D operations and is supported by a dedicated courier service. This setup enables rapid, traceable material movement and significantly reduces logistical delays. To further improve turnaround times and meet unique workflow requirements, client‑specific instruments were installed at our facility - expanding capability while maintaining efficiency. This integrated approach, blending embedded outsourcing with targeted technological enhancements, has delivered measurable improvements in throughput, responsiveness, and sample quality. This poster outlines the design of the model, key performance gains, and the lessons learned in building a collaborative hybrid Sample Management ecosystem.

Small Molecule Modulation of RNA Splicing for Drugging "Undruggable" Targets: Evotec's High-Throughput RT-qPCR Platform

Poster Number: 1404-E

Date and Time: Wednesday 11th February 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presenter: Nina Schroeder, Senior Research Scientist

Modulating pre‑mRNA splicing is emerging as a powerful way to target proteins traditionally considered “undruggable.” By altering splicing patterns, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small molecules can reduce pathogenic protein levels through the creation of non‑functional RNA isoforms or triggering nonsense‑mediated decay.

Evotec applies an automated, multiplex RT‑qPCR platform to rapidly identify such splicing modulators across advanced cellular models. The miniaturized 384‑well workflow enables screening of up to 15,000 compounds per day and simultaneous analysis of multiple genes, supported by scalable Genedata Screener analysis and protein‑level confirmation assays. Evotec has extensive experience delivering custom RT‑qPCR assays and large‑scale splicing screens across numerous targets.

Beyond Traditional Screening: Integrating AI/ML with Biophysical and Label Free Approaches for Rapid Hit Identification

Presenter: Dirk Winkler PhD, SVP Hit Identification

Date and Time: Monday 9th February 2026; 2:00 pm

Location: Room 104B

Early drug discovery is a critical step in developing new medicines, and AI/ML-supported workflows are transforming the process from hit identification to lead optimization. At Evotec, we have introduced innovative hit-finding strategies that combine large experimental datasets with AI/ML models to accelerate hit discovery. Integrated with advanced biophysical and label-free technologies such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and mass spectrometry, these approaches streamline hit identification and validation, enabling more efficient early-stage discovery. Within the presentation, real-world examples are showcased including Enricture, our new solution that couples affinity selection–mass spectrometry with AI/ML-based enrichment for rapid ligandability assessment and hit ID, demonstrating the power of these methods to efficiently identify hits within lead-like chemical space.

High Throughput Transcriptomics for Drug Screening: An Unbiased Multidimensional Readout to Assess Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Safety Right from the Start

Presenter: Rüdiger Fritsch PhD, VP Panomics

Date and Time: Monday 9th February 2026; 4:00 pm

Location: Room 204AB

ScreenSeq™ is a proprietary, scalable 384-well transcriptomics platform designed to enhance early drug discovery by providing an unbiased, multidimensional readout of compound efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action. With over 3 million transcriptomes profiled, it enables high-quality, cost-effective screening from primary hits to hit expansion and SAR analysis. In a study of 20,000 compounds, ScreenSeq™ successfully identified hits that reversed disease-associated transcriptomic signatures, supporting informed decision-making throughout the pipeline. Future work aims to extend its use into lead optimization, creating a fully transcriptomics-enabled workflow from screening to candidate nomination.