Evotec Enters Biology Collaboration with Probiodrug

Evotec AG has announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Probiodrug AG, a privately owned biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of major age related diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evotec will setup and validate assays to support the pre-clinical and clinical development of glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Glutaminyl cyclase is a novel proprietary enzyme target discovered and validated by Probiodrug which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as potentially other diseases.

Dr Mario Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec commented: “We are pleased to enter this collaboration with Probiodrug to use our first class assay development capabilities to support the pre-clinical and clinical development of QC inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease and other indications. This is a good example of how Evotec can support Biotech companies with their specific drug discovery needs.”

Hendrik Liebers, Chief Financial Officer of Probiodrug, added: “The collaboration will allow us to focus on the further pre-clinical and clinical development of our programmes in neurodegeneration/AD. Evotec, with its proven track record, is ideally suited to accompany this process by running existing and developing new biological assays.”