Evotec licenses inflammatory disease compounds to Chinese pharma

HAMBURG, Germany—Last month, Evotec AG announced the grantof a development and marketing license to Conba Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. ofChina for EVT 401, a selective, small-molecule P2X7 antagonist for humanindications with exception of ophthalmological, chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) and endometriosis.

Under the licensing agreement, Conba will have exclusive rightsto develop and commercialize the compound for the Chinese market. Evotec willhave the right to reference clinical data produced by Conba to supportpotential further development of EVT 401 in other territories.

Evotec will receive a small upfront payment, development andcommercial milestone payments in excess of $76 million, as well as tiered,double-digit royalties on net sales.

According to the companies, the P2X7 receptor antagonism mayprovide a novel approach for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Evotechas completed the first Phase I, single-dose study of EVT 401 in 2010. ConbaPharmaceutical will initiate further clinical trials with EVT 401 in China ininflammatory diseases.

"We are very pleased to partner with Conba, a leading Chinesepharmaceutical company, to tap into the Chinese market for inflammatorydiseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis," says Dr. Werner Lanthaler, CEO ofEvotec in a statement announcing the deal. "This partnership will also increasethe value of the P2X7 program worldwide, and follows our strategy to align withthe best and most dedicated partners in the industry."

"We are delighted about the collaboration with Evotec, aglobal leader in drug discovery and development," added Yu Bin, general managerof Conba. "This collaboration expands our ongoing strategy to become aninnovator in China for pharmaceutical R&D. We are confident about thepotential of this compound to become a novel treatment for inflammatorydiseases."

Conba is a top pharmaceutical company in China and has morethan 20 subsidiary companies.