Evotec AG announced its multi-target endometriosis alliance with Bayer has reached another significant pre-clinical milestone, triggering a payment of approx. EUR 5 m to Evotec for the transition of a program into pre-clinical development for the treatment of endometriosis.
This milestone was achieved under the strategic alliance between Evotec and Bayer entered in October 2012. The goal of this collaboration is to develop three clinical candidates within the five-year alliance. Both parties contribute innovative drug targets and high-quality technology infrastructures and share the responsibility for early research and pre-clinical characterization of potential clinical candidates in the disease area of endometriosis.
"Our alliance with Bayer goes from strength to strength and we are pleased to report a major step forward for this programme as it progresses into pre-clinical development,” Dr Mario Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec said. The joint teams continue to advance the endometriosis portfolio of targets, advancing opportunities to provide effective new treatments for this underestimated serious disease."
Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide or 10% of women of reproductive age. It is caused by the abnormal growth of tissue similar to that which lines the uterus in locations outside of the uterine cavity, where it causes ectopic lesion growth and debilitating pain. Endometrial growth is commonly found on the ovaries and pelvic peritoneum, potentially involving other organs of the pelvic cavity. There is no known cure for endometriosis and is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease and there is still a high unmet medical need for innovative therapies which address the individual needs of affected women.