Evotec AG and Aspireo Enter Into Strategic Advisory Agreement
Somatoprim (DG3173) is a new molecular entity somatostatin analogue with a unique, potentially best-in-class, pharmacological profile currently in phase I of clinical development. Somatostatin analogues have been approved for the treatment of Acromegaly, carcinoid tumours, and Cushing's disease but also have demonstrated significant potential in Diabetic Retinopathy. Somatostatin analogues are generating more than USD 1.5 billion in annual sales in a continually growing market.
Under the terms of the agreement, Evotec will provide Aspireo with strategic and operational advice on the partnering of Somatoprim. In addition, Evotec will consult Aspireo on matters of clinical and pre-clinical development. In return for such services, Evotec will retain advisory fees as well as participate in the economic success of Somatoprim.
Dr Werner Lanthaler, CEO of Evotec, commented: "This agreement marks a new business model for asset centric biotech companies who want to combine capital efficiency with access to high quality and often very specialised pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial expertise. Aspireo is a pioneer in pursuing a model of extreme capital efficiency while not compromising on quality and speed. We are excited to advise and support Aspireo in its partnering efforts for Somatoprim."
Carsten Dehning, CEO of Aspireo, added: "Aspireo is combining the strengths of a project focused company with the benefits of accessing complete teams with leading expertise drug development and proven partnering skills. This strategic advisory agreement comes at a time when we are getting closer to reaching clinical proof of concept for Somatoprim. Evotec's reach into the pharmaceutical industry, combined with its own experience in clinical development and partnering of clinical stage assets, makes it the partner of choice for Aspireo."
About Somatoprim
Somatoprim (DG3173) is a novel and proprietary somatostatin analogue (SSA) that is based on a novel amino acid composition and a unique backbone cyclisation technology used for stabilisation of the peptide. During extensive pre-clinical testing, Somatoprim has demonstrated a unique receptor binding and pharmacological profile which is significantly differentiated from SSAs that are currently marketed or in clinical development. In particular, Somatoprim has demonstrated an improved side effect profile with reduced adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic control. Furthermore, assessment of growth hormone secretion in cultured human somatotroph adenoma tissue treated with Somatoprim indicates that it has the potential to significantly increase the response rate of acromegalic patients to SSA therapy. Somatoprim is currently in phase I of clinical development with a phase Ib study currently underway.
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 and inflammation. Evotec has long-term discovery alliances with partners including Boehringer Ingelheim, CHDI, Genentech, Janssen, Medimmune/Astra Zeneca, and Ono Pharmaceutical. In addition, the Company has existing development partnerships and product candidates both in clinical and pre-clinical development. These include partnerships with Boehringer Ingelheim, MedImmune and Andromeda (Teva) in the field of diabetes, and with Roche in the field of Alzheimer's disease. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com.
ABOUT ASPIREO
Aspireo Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of a novel somatostatin analogue (SSA) for the treatment of diseases resulting from hormone-active tumours, such as Acromegaly, neuroendocrine and gastroenteropancreatic tumours, Cushing's Disease and Diabetic Retinopathy. Aspireo's sole development compound is Somatoprim (DG3173), a novel and proprietary somatostatin analogue that is based on a novel amino acid composition and a unique backbone cyclisation technology used for stabilisation of the peptide. Aspireo is an Israeli company that was established in 2010 by TVM Capital as a Project Focused Company (PFC). For additional information please go to www.aspireopharma.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 report. 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.
Contact:
Gabriele Hansen, Head of Corporate Communications
+49-40-56081-255
gabriele.hansen@evotec.com