Evotec SE and Variant Bio Inc. have announced a collaboration agreement to identify a best-in-class treatment for diseases caused by fibrosis.
 
Fibrotic disease, which is characterized by marked and pathogenic build-up of the tissue matrix leading to tissue degeneration in organs, contributes substantially to global mortality and morbidity. Despite the chronic nature of fibrotic conditions, widespread impact on various organs, and substantial disease burden, there is currently no curative treatment for these conditions.

About the Partnership

The strategic partnership leverages Variant Bio’s genomic discovery capabilities and VB-Inference platform as well as Evotec’s expertise in antifibrotic drug discovery.
 
Evotec will identify best-in-class small molecules targeting a key fibrotic pathway with strong genetic support identified by Variant Bio and progress the program toward the selection of a clinical development candidate(s) using Evotec’s integrated end-to-end R&D platform. Additionally, the collaboration includes an opportunity to evaluate unrelated nephrology targets based on human multi-omics data with Evotec’s molecular patient database (E.MPD).
 
Under the terms of the risk-sharing partnership, Evotec will receive undisclosed research funding and may receive pre-clinical and clinical milestones and/or royalties dependent on the success of the program. This strategic framework allows Variant Bio to offset the early costs of drug development in exchange for a portion of the future upside.
 
Dr Matthias Evers, Chief Business Officer of Evotec, said: “We are excited to enter this collaboration with Variant Bio. Variant’s genomics-focused model which identifies novel drug targets perfectly aligns with Evotec’s data-driven approach to redefine diseases at the molecular level and enhance probability of success. We look forward to combining our complementary drug discovery platforms in a capital-efficient partnership and drive new, best-in-class fibrosis treatments together.”
 
Andrew Farnum, CEO at Variant Bio, added: “Evotec has established and validated in vitro and in vivo models to accelerate program timelines and is ideally positioned to advance our fibrosis program. They have the experience and track record in converting breakthrough science into medicines that matter for patients.”

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