BRIEF—Evotec announces agreement with Janssen to develop immune-based therapies

German biotech Evotec has entered into another a strategic collaboration and license agreement with Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of US health care giant Johnson & Johnson.

The collaboration focuses on the development of first-in-class targeted immune-based therapies for oncology, which will ultimately be commercialized by Janssen. The agreement was facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

The collaboration leverages Evotec’s integrated discovery and development capabilities and manufacturing optimization processes, including an option for the GMP manufacture of the immune-based therapies.

Evotec will collaborate closely with Janssen during the pre-clinical R&D phase while Janssen will assume full responsibility for the clinical development and commercialization.

Besides research funding, Evotec is entitled to an undisclosed upfront payment, success-based research and commercial milestones exceeding $350 million as well as tiered royalties on products resulting from the collaboration.