DGAP-News

Evotec and C4XD enter collaboration to identify pre-clinical development candidates for stress-related addictive disorder programme

DGAP-News: Evotec AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
Evotec and C4XD enter collaboration to identify pre-clinical
development candidates for stress-related addictive disorder programme

19.01.2015 / 07:30

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* Collaboration leverages the breadth & experience of Evotec's drug
discovery infrastructure across chemistry & biology
* Efforts will combine the use of C4XD's proprietary NMR technology to
conformational ligand design with Evotec's state-of-the-art biology &
computational and medicinal chemistry capabilities

Hamburg, Germany - 19 January 2015: Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange:
EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) today announced a research collaboration
with C4X Discovery Holdings plc ("C4XD") to optimise Orexin-1 selective
inhibitors discovered through C4XD's unique NMR technology. Evotec will
apply its drug discovery platform with C4XD to further develop several
series of Orexin-1 selective inhibitors.

Activation of the orexin-1 receptor in the brain is associated with
stress-related addictive disorders (e.g. for alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and
opiates), while the activation of the orexin-2 receptor is associated with
biorhythms and wakefulness. Identification and development of selective
compounds that inhibit the orexin-1 pathway thus should provide treatments
for addiction avoiding the sedative effects associated with inhibition of
orexin-2.

"We are delighted to work with C4XD on this strategic collaboration. C4XD
has an exciting technology that can really revolutionise how rational drug
design is conducted, particularly on targets like Orexin where the
conformation of drug-like ligands is particular important to on-target
potency. With Evotec's complementary expertise in computational chemistry,
medicinal chemistry and pharmacology we look forward to help drive C4XD's
objective to develop compounds to treat addictive disorders", said Dr Mario
Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec.

"Through this collaboration with Evotec, we expect our novel biological
discoveries and medical insights will be effectively and efficiently
progressed into a state-of-the-art drug discovery and development
programme. The collaboration is already demonstrating the benefit of an
alliance in accelerating drug discovery projects", said Piers Morgan, CEO
of C4XD.

No financial details were disclosed.


ABOUT EVOTEC AG
Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company
focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. We operate worldwide providing
the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery solutions,