Evotec licenses two compounds for treating Alzheimer's

Hamburg-based drug discovery company Evotec has obtained an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement from Roche for two compounds in phase I clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The compounds are orally active, selective and reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B). They have favourable preclinical profiles, were well tolerated and showed excellent pharmacokinetic properties in phase I studies. The most advanced compound will be known as EVT 301.

John Kemp, executive vice-president of R&D at Evotec's pharmaceuticals division, said: 'In addition to a solid scientific rationale, unpublished clinical trials show proof-of-concept for MAO-B inhibition as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, these large, one-year duration, multinational studies, strongly support the concept that inhibition of this target slows symptom progression in Alzheimer's disease.'

In exchange, for the exclusive licence to the two compounds, Roche will receive an upfront fee, and is eligible for down stream milestone payments and royalties on net sales of products. Roche retains a late stage co-development option on these compounds. In addition, upon initiation of phase II clinical trials, in lieu of a milestone payment, Roche will receive Evotec stock.