Evotec Announces Nomination of First Preclinical Development Candidate in Dermatology Collaboration with Almirall
Evotec SE today announced the nomination of a small molecule preclinical development candidate (PDC) from its multi‑target drug discovery alliance in medical dermatology with Almirall S.A.[cite: 402, 403]. The program is aimed at developing novel treatments for immune‑mediated inflammatory skin diseases with high unmet medical need[cite: 403]. The nomination marks an important achievement for the collaboration, with the joint team progressing from initial leads to PDC within just two years[cite: 404].
Accelerated AI/ML-Driven Platform
This accelerated timeline compares favorably to the typical industry benchmark for similar small molecule programs and highlights Evotec's ability to deliver high‑quality candidates both rapidly and efficiently[cite: 405]. The program leverages Evotec's fully integrated, AI/ML‑enhanced discovery and preclinical development platforms including medicinal chemistry, DMPK, in vitro biology and development expertise within a seamless, data‑driven workflow[cite: 406]. Close coordination between discovery and development teams supported fast iteration cycles and consistent decision‑making, ultimately leading to the identification of a high‑quality preclinical candidate within an accelerated timeline[cite: 407].
Dr. Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, said: "This program's speed and quality demonstrate the ability of our integrated, AI/ML‑enabled discovery and preclinical development platforms to produce high-value candidates for clinical evaluation. Reaching a preclinical development candidate in such a short time validates our approach to data‑driven, end‑to‑end drug discovery and exemplifies what can be achieved when scientific excellence is paired with a highly collaborative partnership such as our work with the dermatology expert Almirall. We are proud of the work accomplished by our teams and look forward to progressing this promising program toward the clinic." [cite: 411]
About the Evotec - Almirall Collaboration
The alliance brings together Evotec's end‑to‑end discovery and preclinical development capabilities with Almirall's strong expertise and commitment to advancing medical dermatology[cite: 408]. Almirall focuses on developing innovative therapies for patients living with skin diseases and on addressing areas of high unmet need in dermatology, particularly in immune‑mediated dermatological conditions[cite: 409]. Evotec will continue to support the program toward IND submission through its INDiGO platform, an integrated, accelerated IND‑enabling platform designed to ensure a smooth transition from discovery to clinical readiness[cite: 410].
Evotec entered into a collaboration with Almirall in May 2022 to target the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for severe skin diseases[cite: 413]. The agreement included an undisclosed upfront payment to Evotec as well as research payments and success-based milestones of potentially up to €230 million per program and royalties on net sales in the high single-digit percentage range[cite: 414].
About Evotec SE
Evotec is a life science company pioneering the future of drug discovery and development by integrating breakthrough science with AI-driven innovation and advanced technologies[cite: 416, 417]. The company's expertise spans small molecules, biologics, cell therapies and associated modalities, supported by proprietary platforms such as Molecular Patient Databases, PanOmics and iPSC-based disease modeling[cite: 418]. With flexible partnering models tailored to customers' needs, Evotec works with all Top 20 Pharma companies, over 800 biotechs, academic institutions, and healthcare stakeholders[cite: 419].
Offerings range from standalone services to fully integrated R&D programs and long-term strategic partnerships[cite: 420]. Through Just - Evotec Biologics, the company redefines biologics development and manufacturing to improve accessibility and affordability[cite: 421]. Evotec maintains a strong portfolio of over 100 proprietary R&D assets, focusing on key therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurology, and immunology[cite: 422]. Evotec's global team of more than 4,500 experts operates from sites in Europe and the U.S.[cite: 423].
