Evotec, Roche Ink Biomarker Onco-Pact

Evotec and Roche have launched a collaboration in novel protein-activity based biomarkers for Roche’s development-stage oncology drugs. Evotec will employ its PhosphoScout platform to discover protein-phosphorylations that predict favorable dosage and efficacy of targeted cancer drugs in patients. Roche will be responsible for conducting clinical trials as well as assessing the development of companion diagnostics for patient stratification.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Evotec AG and benefit from the PhosphoScout technology to identify appropriate pharmacodynamics and patient stratification biomarkers,” said Mike Burgess, global head of Oncology, Roche Pharma Research and Exploratory Development. “These biomarkers are core to the development of targeted therapeutics for cancer therapy.”

“Biomarker-based personalized healthcare has led to a paradigm shift in cancer therapy,” said Dr. Werner Lanthaler, Evotec’s chief executive officer. “We are proud to partner Evotec’s novel biomarker concept with Roche, the world leading personalized healthcare company, and its pharma R&D organization.”

During the initial three-year term, Evotec and Roche will conduct multiple biomarker programs for therapeutic antibodies or small molecule inhibitors. Evotec will receive undisclosed up-front and success-based payments for each program.