Evotec AG and Almirall, S.A. have entered into a research collaboration to discover and develop first-in-class therapeutics through a novel approach to disrupt cell signalling, that is expected to deliver highly potent and durable treatments for debilitating dermatology diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

The collaboration combines Evotec’s cutting-edge drug discovery and pre-clinical development platforms with Almirall’s leading expertise in dermatology diseases.  Under the terms of the agreement, Evotec will receive research funding and may be eligible to receive discovery, pre-clinical, clinical and sales milestone payments as well as tiered royalties.  

Dr Cord Dohrmann, chief scientific officer of Evotec, said, “Evotec is pleased to partner with Almirall in the field of dermatology, who is a globally recognised leader in the field. The goal is to jointly address highly validated targets via a new approach that has the potential to deliver superior first-in-class drug products. This platform enables disruption of cell signalling via a new approach that has been identified and developed by Evotec scientists in Toulouse and is expected to deliver many more drug discovery opportunities.”

Dr Bhushan Hardas, executive vice president R&D, chief scientific officer of Almirall, said, “Our R&D strategy focuses towards achieving innovative and breakthrough products to cover patients’ unmet needs. This partnership with Evotec, an expert in delivering fast growing and profitable drug discovery and development business, represents a step forward in offering outstanding solutions for the treatment of dermatology diseases with the best technology available and with substantial benefit to patients suffering from dermatological disorders.”