Evotec SE has partnered with the University of Oxford to access the QUOD biobank, which provides biospecimens from organ donors, enhancing Evotec's existing patient database. This collaboration will initially analyze samples from 1,000 donors using a multi-omics approach, facilitating research into disease mechanisms related to cardio-vascular, kidney, and liver diseases. The partnership aims to improve understanding of organ transplantation and drug discovery, with no financial terms disclosed. The QUOD program has already collected samples from over 5,000 deceased donors since its inception.
Evotec SE has entered a strategic collaboration with Novo Nordisk to develop innovative therapies for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This partnership will leverage unique CKD patient databases and Evotec's drug discovery platform. Evotec will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, significant research funding, potential milestones exceeding €150 million for each project, and tiered royalties on net sales.
This alliance aims to identify novel therapeutic targets using comprehensive datasets, addressing the high unmet medical need in CKD treatment.
Evotec SE reported a 12% increase in group revenues for the first half of 2020, reaching €231.0 million compared to €207.1 million in H1 2019. The company confirmed its full-year guidance for revenues between €440 - 480 million and adjusted EBITDA of €100 - 200 million. Notable strategic expansions include investments in gene therapy and partnerships to enhance R&D capabilities, despite a decrease in gross margin to 23% from 30.8%. The liquidity remains robust at €275.7 million.
Evotec announced a partnership with Resolute Therapeutics to develop a new class of broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting drug-resistant infections. The project will receive up to $8.44 million in funding from CARB-X to support its development. Evotec will in-license a research program currently in lead optimization and will continue its pre-clinical development. This collaboration aims to target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for infections such as intra-abdominal infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia.