Evotec partners with X-Chem to accelerate drug discovery

FRANCE—German life science company Evotec SE and X-Chem, a leader in DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology, have collaborated to accelerate early-stage drug discovery.

This partnership seeks to combine the strengths of both companies to enhance the drug development process, particularly in identifying promising compounds for therapeutic interventions.

X-Chem’s DEL technology enables efficient hit finding by screening billions of DNA-tagged compounds simultaneously.

This approach allows for the high-degree of precision identification of potential starting points for drug discovery.

By leveraging its DELflex, a traditional experimental DEL solution, and HITMiner, an advanced machine learning solution, X-Chem can process and analyze high-quality experimental DEL data, offering optimal starting points for tackling innovative biological targets.

This collaboration will allow X-Chem to integrate its DEL technology with Evotec’s screening platforms and broader capabilities.

Together, they aim to create a streamlined process for discovering new drug candidates, which could significantly accelerate research in the field.

Evotec’s established platforms, paired with X-Chem’s data-mining solutions, provide an innovative pathway to address the complexity of early-stage drug discovery.

Karen Lackey, CEO of X-Chem, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating that partnerships leveraging best-in-class platforms are crucial for tackling the challenges faced in drug discovery today.

She highlighted that by teaming up with Evotec, X-Chem is committed to making its DEL screening services more widely accessible and advancing its research initiatives.

Echoing these sentiments, Craig Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec, expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

He noted that X-Chem’s expertise in DEL technology, combined with its machine learning solutions, adds a valuable tool to Evotec’s research arsenal, helping them address difficult biological targets.

Johnstone emphasized that this partnership aligns with Evotec’s broader mission to advance innovative drug discovery approaches.

In related news, Evotec recently signed a multi-year collaboration agreement with Pfizer, focusing on early-stage discovery research.

 This partnership marks a significant step toward advancing new therapeutic approaches for metabolic and infectious diseases.

 Depending on the success of their joint research programs, Evotec will receive substantial research support from Pfizer, as well as potential milestone and royalty payments.

 This agreement demonstrates both companies’ commitment to pioneering novel therapeutic interventions.

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