Evotec SE and Sandoz AG, a division of Novartis, announced that Evotec’s Seattle-based subsidiary, Just – Evotec Biologics, Inc., launched a multi-year, long-term tech partnership with Sandoz for the immediate development and subsequent manufacturing of multiple biosimilars.

The partnership includes an option for the non-exclusive in-licensing of Just – Evotec Biologics’ technology by Sandoz for building its fully-owned S.POD facility (in analogy to Just – Evotec Biologics’ state-of-the-art J.POD facilities).

According to the deal, Just – Evotec Biologics will receive a double-digit-million upfront and future payments dependent on successful development progress of $640 million as well as additional undisclosed payments based on progress into commercial manufacturing and exercising the S.POD option.

In a statement, Evotec said that the partnership focuses on reaching the highest quality and lowest cost levels by introducing Just – Evotec Biologics’ data-driven, fully integrated design capability and continuous manufacturing technology (J.DESIGN) into the field of biosimilars. The development of the biosimilars will ramp up over the coming 12-18 months in a highly collaborative fashion at Just – Evotec Biologics’ J.POD facilities.

In addition, this partnership sets a precedent for Sandoz to in-license, non-exclusively, the Just – Evotec Biologics’ J.DESIGN platform, process development and continuous manufacturing technology and build a state-of-the-art, ‘S.POD’ facility in the latter part of this decade. The Just – Evotec Biologics team will support design, construction, onboarding, and training of the Sandoz team to fully realize the potential of the technology with positive impact on cost, speed, and quality in the field of biosimilars.

J.DESIGN employs a series of technologies relying on the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, intensified and continuous bioprocesses. The platform is specifically designed for de-risking clinical development, providing flexible clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities within the same J.POD facility and ultimately enabling cost-effective biologics commercial supply.

Matthias Evers, chief business officer, Evotec, said, “We are thrilled to launch this partnership with massive impact potential for patients globally. With Sandoz’ recognized leadership in biosimilars development and commercialization and our disruptive technology platform in the field of biologics development and manufacturing, this partnership has a chance to shift the paradigm of what it means to achieve access to lifesaving medicines.”

Linda Zuckerman, executive vice president, global head biotherapeutics at Just – Evotec Biologics, said,  “We are excited to build a highly collaborative partnership with a global leader in the field and are fully committed to support the team at Sandoz in development and manufacturing of a broad biosimilars portfolio out of our state-of-the-art J.POD sites. This partnership supports fully our mission to provide global access to important biotherapeutic medicines.”