Evotec and Apeiron enter painkiller R&D accord

Evotec AG and fellow Germany-based Apeiron Biologics GmbH have entered into a discovery accord to develop small-molecules targeting a novel therapeutic concept for pain relief, based on research activities of Josef Penninger, of the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

During the initial phase of this collaboration, the firms will jointly develop tailored biochemical and cellular assays, which Evotec will later utilize for ultra-high-throughput screening to identify promising hit molecules. At a later stage, both companies aim to advance a selected lead candidate into preclinical development up to proof-of-concept in patients. Commercialization rights, which are shared equally, may be out-licensed or assigned to a pharmaceutical partner. Further financial terms were not disclosed.