Evotec AG and Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced a strategic research alliance to discover and develop new small molecule therapies to treat patients living with fertility and gynaecological conditions.

Evotec will apply its drug discovery platform to design novel, safe and efficacious treatments in partnership with Ferring. The multi-target, multi-year collaboration aims to deliver small molecule pre-clinical development (“PDC”) and investigational new drug (“IND”) ready candidates. As part of the alliance, Evotec is eligible for undisclosed research funding and milestones.

Dr Mario Polywka, chief operating officer of Evotec, said, “The integration of our industry-leading small molecule discovery and development platform with Ferring’s deep disease expertise in reproductive medicine and women’s health will create a powerful combination that we hope will create a difference for patients suffering from infertility and gynaecological disorders. We very much look forward to working with such an innovative partner.”

Per Falk, chief science officer, Ferring, said, “To achieve leadership in reproductive medicine and women’s health, we are expanding beyond our historical expertise in peptides and tackling molecular targets that are best addressed using small molecule therapeutics.  Evotec is a highly regarded company in this field, and this alliance offers the prospect of significant innovation for patients. Together, we have the potential to make a difference for both men and women who are struggling to start a family, and for women suffering from gynaecological conditions.”