Evotec, Padlock Extend Autoimmune Research Pact

Evotec AG and Padlock Therapeutics have further extended their collaboration after completing an initial goal in a program focused on developing inhibitors of protein-arginine deiminases (PADs), enzymes that play an important role in autoimmune diseases.
 
The collaboration, signed in January 2014, now extends through March 2017. Under the alliance, Evotec provides a range of research activities including in vitro biology, high-throughput screening, structural biology, medicinal and computational chemistry and DMPK. The companies will now progress multiple programs through hit-to-lead and lead optimization with the goal of delivering multiple development candidates. Evotec is eligible to receive more than $13 million in research payments and milestones.
 
Dr. Mario Polywka, chief operating officer of Evotec, said, “We are excited to continue collaborating with Padlock. This collaboration highlights how Evotec’s integrated drug discovery platform provides a unique complement to Padlock’s innovative approach to this target class and associated therapeutic area. We look forward to mutual success over the coming years.”
 
Dr. Michael Gilman, chief executive officer Padlock Therapeutics, said, “Evotec has been an innovative and supportive partner during Padlock’s successful seed phase. We look forward to continuing our work with Evotec scientists toward PAD-targeted medicines as fundamentally new therapies for patients with autoimmune disease.”