Evotec announces agreement with Janssen to develop immune-based therapies

Evotec SE announced that the Company has entered into a strategic collaboration and licence agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (“Janssen”), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. The collaboration focuses on the development of first-in-class targeted immune-based therapies for oncology, which will ultimately be commercialised by Janssen. The agreement was facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

The collaboration leverages Evotec’s integrated discovery and development capabilities and manufacturing optimisation processes, including an option for the GMP manufacture of the immune-based therapies. Evotec will collaborate closely with Janssen during the pre-clinical R&D phase while Janssen will assume full responsibility for the clinical development and commercialisation.

Besides research funding, Evotec is entitled to an undisclosed upfront payment, success-based research and commercial milestones exceeding US$ 350 m as well as tiered royalties on products resulting from the collaboration.

Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: “We are very excited about this collaboration with Janssen. Novel immune-based therapies with disease-relevant, targeted mechanisms are expected to benefit large number of patients. Evotec is committed to leading the way in transformational innovation to treat and ultimately cure diseases of high unmet need.”