Evotec gains USD 1.7 million for anti-henipavirus therapies

Dr. Werner Lanthaler, CEO of Evotec, commented: “Mission-driven foundations are key for our long-term strategy. This is the first time that we have been supported by Open Philanthropy and we are very excited about this opportunity. The grant will enable us to pursue an innovative RNA-targeting approach to address the pandemic challenges posed by henipaviruses." 

EVOTEC has initiated the Pandemic Preparedness and Rapid Response Technology Platform (PRROTECT) allowing global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to exchange ideas on the development of anti-viral therapeutics in the event of a future pandemic. Lanthaler added: "Through PRROTECT, we strive to make a meaningful contribution to achieve targets set under the UN Sustainable Development Goal (No, 3) and make new, safe and effective treatment options available for these pandemic threats.” 

Evotec's state-of-the-art small molecule RNA platform builds on the company's established drug discovery routes and combines them with novel, highly innovative technologies such as third-generation sequencing and sequence-based structural elucidation of RNA molecules. Low molecular weight compounds, small molecules used in most drugs, target RNA without attacking it, unlike conventional methods. This should open up new treatment options, including for therapy against henipaviruses. Outbreaks of Nipah virus, a genus of henipavirus, have occurred in India and Bangladesh, with an estimated high mortality rate of 40-75 per cent. Outbreak rates vary depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management. Nipah virus is one of the pathogens on the WHO list of epidemic threats that need urgent research and development.

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