Evotec AG and Apeiron Biologics AG, a biotech company with a focus on immunological approaches to treat cancer, formed a strategic collaboration with Sanofi to develop novel small molecule-based cancer immunotherapies.

This collaboration includes major research and development efforts to advance a first-in-class small molecule approach to treat solid and haematopoietic cancers by enhancing the anti-tumor activity of human lymphocytes. Based on Evotec’s technological expertise and Apeiron Biologics’ immunological know-how, the collaboration will also focus on the identification of novel small molecule hits and their targets for next-generation therapies in immuno-oncology, which are expected to complement the current offerings of checkpoint inhibitors.

The collaboration is set up as an initiative to support long-term pipeline building for Evotec, Apeiron Biologics and Sanofi. All three companies will make contributions to this collaboration in terms of scientific expertise, technological platforms and resources. The collaboration will further enhance and complement Sanofi’s oncology portfolio. It will enable Evotec to enter into the drug discovery area of immuno-oncology and it will support Apeiron Biologics’ strategy focusing on novel and innovative checkpoint inhibiting approaches.

The agreement triggers two years of research payments for Evotec and Apeiron Biologics with the opportunity to receive preclinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones which could total over €200 million as well as royalties upon commercialization.