Evotec AG has reached a Bayer milestone for advancing a program from the alliance portfolio into Phase I development for the treatment of endometriosis, triggering an undisclosed milestone payment to Evotec.

The strategic alliance between the companies began October 2012 and aims to develop three clinical candidates within the five-year alliance. Both parties contribute drug targets and high-quality technology infrastructures and share the responsibility for early research and preclinical characterization in the disease area of endometriosis.

Bayer will be responsible for subsequent clinical development and commercialization while Evotec is eligible for clinical and sales milestones, as well as royalties.

Dr. Mario Polywka, chief operating officer of Evotec, said, “We are very pleased to report this exciting progress in our endometriosis collaboration with Bayer. The progression of this programme into clinical development is a significant achievement for the alliance. We look forward to continued success within the alliance as we strive to deliver new therapeutics for the treatment of this disease with significant unmet medical need.”