Evotec licenses Roche phase 1 compounds to treat Alzheimer's

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 9 - Evotec AG has signed a licensing agreement with Roche for two compounds in phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The compounds are orally active, selective and reversible inhibitors of MAO-B. According to a company news release, the compounds have favorable preclinical profiles, were well tolerated and showed excellent pharmacokinetic properties in phase 1 studies.

The most advanced compound will be known as EVT 301.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evotec will receive a worldwide exclusive license to two MAO-B (monoamine oxidase-B) compounds. In exchange, Roche will receive an upfront fee, and is eligible for milestone payments and royalties on net sales of products.

Additionally, Roche retains a late stage co-development option on these compounds. Upon initiation of phase 2 clinical trials, Roche will receive Evotec stock, in lieu of a milestone payment.

"In addition to a solid scientific rationale, unpublished clinical trials show proof-of-concept for MAO-B inhibition as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease," stated John Kemp, Evotec's executive vice president of research and development in a company news release.

MAO-B inhibition represents the only clinically validated approach to slowing the progressions of symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, according to the news release.

Evotec specializes in the discovery and development of novel small molecule drugs to treat diseases of the central nervous systems. The company is based in Hamburg, Germany, with additional operations in the United Kingdom.

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