Corporate | 24 September 2014 07:23
DGAP-News: Evotec AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
24.09.2014 / 07:23
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Hamburg, Germany - 24 September 2014: Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange:
EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) announced today that it has entered into
three novel research projects for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
("MS") supported by research funds from the German Federal Ministry of
Education and Research ("BMBF").
The respective scientific approaches stem from the Deutsches
Rheuma-Forschungszentrum ("DRFZ"; an institute of the Leibniz Association;
Prof. A. Hamann) and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
("UKE"; Prof. M. Friese; Dr J. Herkel) comprising cytokine regulation,
neuroprotection and tolerance induction.
Evotec will utilise its drug discovery platform, its project management
capabilities and its market presence to identify drug candidates in these
novel approaches to tackle MS and to commercialise those later on. Current
MS treatments mostly constitute disease-modifying approaches while more
specific or well-differentiated alternative treatment modes are eagerly
looked for by the industry. The three projects have a term of between 1.5
and 3 years and comprise a total budget of about EUR 5 m.
Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: "These
novel approaches to fight MS, the disease with the highest socioeconomic
impact worldwide, perfectly fit to our EVT Innovate strategy to approach
disease-modifying innovation and to identify first-in-class molecules
eagerly sought for by the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. We are proud
to partner with these leading German research institutions and groups to
translate their exceptional disease know-how into drug candidates and
furthermore into novel products."
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis ("MS") is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease
in which the insulating covers of nerve cells (myelin sheath) in the brain
and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of
the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and
symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems.
MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated
attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms).
Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent
neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances. MS
is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the
results of supporting medical tests. There is no known cure for multiple
sclerosis. Treatments attempt to improve function after an attack and
prevent new attacks. Medications used to treat MS while modestly effective
can have adverse effects and be poorly tolerated. Life expectancy is on
average 5 to 10 years lower than that of an unaffected population.
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,
covering all activities from target-to-clinic. The Company has established
a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and
integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience
and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuroscience, pain,
metabolic diseases as well as oncology, inflammation and infectious
diseases. Evotec has long-term discovery alliances with partners including
Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, CHDI, Genentech, Janssen Pharmaceuticals,
MedImmune/AstraZeneca, Roche and UCB. In addition, the Company has existing
development partnerships and product candidates both in clinical and
pre-clinical development. These include partnerships with Boehringer
Ingelheim and MedImmune in the field of diabetes, with Janssen
Pharmaceuticals in the field of depression and with Roche in the field of
Alzheimer's disease. For additional information please go to
www.evotec.com.
Contact Evotec AG:
Gabriele Hansen, VP Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, Phone:
+49.(0)40.56081-255, gabriele.hansen@evotec.com
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS - Information set forth in this press release
contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent
the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Such
forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are
subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond
our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly
disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations
or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such
statement is based.
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Language: English
Company: Evotec AG
Manfred Eigen Campus / Essener Bogen 7
22419 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)40 560 81-0
Fax: +49 (0)40 560 81-222
E-mail: info@evotec.com
Internet: www.evotec.com
ISIN: DE0005664809
WKN: 566480
Indices: TecDAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard);
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover,
München, Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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