Evotec AG’s multi-target alliance with Bayer in the field of endometriosis has advanced a promising small molecule into Phase II development for the treatment of chronic cough, resulting in a €4 million payment to Evotec.

The Phase II has been initiated following positive Phase I results under the ongoing Bayer-Evotec endometriosis alliance. The potential to treat patients with a persistent chronic cough was highlighted due to the nature and expression of the target protein being originally explored for the treatment of endometriosis.

The multi-target discovery alliance was entered in October 2012, and the goal is to discover three clinical candidates. Both parties contribute innovative drug targets and high-quality technology infrastructures and share the responsibility for early research and preclinical characterization of potential clinical candidates in endometriosis. Since the beginning of the collaboration, six first-in-class non-hormonal preclinical candidates have been generated; three of those progressed into Phase I clinical trials in endometriosis and chronic cough.

Dr. Werner Lanthaler, chief executive officer of Evotec, said, “Since we began collaborating with Bayer in 2012, the joint teams have combined cutting-edge science, significant drug discovery expertise, and a shared commitment to bring new therapeutics options to the millions of patients. With the advancement of our first novel drug candidate into Phase II studies we continue to grow and build out our strong partnered pipeline. We look forward to further advancing our target portfolio across a developing range of potential therapeutic indications, especially for patients with unexplained chronic cough new and effective treatment options are urgently needed.”