Research & Development

Bayer and Evotec have announced that they have updated the focus of their collaboration to work on the development of innovative precision treatments for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

The two companies intend to ‘identify and validate novel targets, with the goal of building a portfolio of precision cardiology therapeutics by leveraging Evotec’s disease modelling capabilities using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)’, according to the press release.

Both companies are expected to contribute drug targets as well as a comprehensive set of technology platforms for the development of potential treatment options.

Dr Christian Rommel, head of research and development at Bayer’s pharmaceuticals division, commented: “CVDs are the leading cause of death globally. The refocused collaboration will leverage Evotec's industrialised iPSC-based disease modelling platform and Bayer’s leadership in cardiology to advance a portfolio of innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases with high unmet medical need. This complements our focus on disease areas where we can truly improve the standard of care by delivering superior therapeutic solutions to patients in need.”

Juergen Eckhardt MD, head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, stated: “This development takes our long-standing collaboration with Evotec to a new level, and has the added benefit of lessons learned from working together the past 12 years. We remain committed to develop innovative therapies for patients in need and to tackle the high burden of cardiovascular disease.”