Hamburg, Germany | Oxfordshire, UK | Munich, Germany - Evotec OAI AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX 30), a leading partner for integrated high-value-added drug discovery and development solutions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and Neuronova AG (private) today announced that they have entered into a drug discovery agreement to identify small molecule compounds that interact with a Neuronova target involved in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
 
In the search for novel compounds, Evotec OAI will apply its world-class capabilities in the areas of cell-line construction, assay development and screening on a complex cellular target. In addition, Evotec OAI will provide profiling services to Neuronova to further characterise selected hits for progression.
 
Bernard Questier, Chief Business Officer of Evotec OAI, said: "We are proud that Neuronova has selected Evotec OAI as their partner of choice to identify novel structures to progress towards the clinic. Our integrated discovery capabilities ideally complement Neuronova's extensive disease biology expertise in behavioural pharmacology and we are convinced that we will add significant value to their drug discovery programme."
 
Dr Herbert Stadler, Chief Executive Officer of Neuronova AG, commented: "By choosing Evotec OAI as solutions provider for the identification of drug candidates we are ideally positioned to speed up the development of our pipeline based on proprietary targets in affective disorders. Our development candidates have significant potential to provide new treatment options which are faster acting and have less side effects than current therapies."
 
About Evotec OAI AG
Evotec OAI has established itself as the partner of choice for drug discovery and development solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide, maintaining its leadership role through innovation and unmatched customer service.
The Company's business strategy is clearly focused on drug discovery. It has established the most comprehensive technology platform and skills that integrate its world-class biology and chemistry capabilities. Evotec OAI leverages this discovery engine in providing assay development and screening through to compound optimisation and drug manufacturing services to a broad and well-established network of customers. In addition, the Company engages in selected discovery programmes itself to develop drug candidates for early out-licensing. Evotec OAI's instrument and technology business is now successfully handled by its affiliate, Evotec Technologies.
With over 600 people in Hamburg, Germany and Oxfordshire, UK, Evotec OAI is dedicated to returning value to its shareholders and employees through a sustainable business strategy that balances short-term and long-term revenue opportunities.
www.evotecoai.com
 
About Neuronova AG
Neuronova AG is a biopharmaceutical company implementing novel concepts for the treatment of depression and anxiety. The Company has unique capabilities to discover and develop drugs based on pioneering neurological and genetic findings in the field of affective disorders. These drugs address the increasing need for more comprehensive and faster-acting treatments with less side-effects. Neuronova was founded in 2002 as a spin-off from the renowned Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, a world leader in the field of neuroscientific research and development. A strong team of executives and scientists with long-term industry experience contribute to Neuronova's progress. Neuronova has raised its first round of venture financing in late 2003, led by Life Science Partners. The Company is based in Munich.
www.neuronova.de
 
Contact Evotec OAI AG:
Bernard Questier
CBO
Schnackenburgallee 114
D-22525 Hamburg
Phone: +49.(0).40.56081-434
Fax: +49.(0).40.56081-333
bernard.questier@evotecoai.com

Contact Neuronova AG:
Dr Herbert Stadler
CEO
Kraepelinstrasse 2
80804 Munich
Phone: +49.(0).89.30622-591
Fax: +49.(0).89.30622-370
stadler@neuronova.de