Evotec Receives Grant from Korean Government to Develop Novel Antibody-based Treatments for Lung Diseases
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) announced a collaborative grant of US$ 4.5 million from the Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) alongside Yonsei University and Korean biotech Zymedi. The funding will support the development of first-in-class biologic therapies for lung diseases, specifically asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
The project focuses on developing novel anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic antibodies targeting tRNA synthetases, an emerging therapeutic target class. The collaboration combines Yonsei University's expertise in tRNA synthetases, Zymedi's translational capabilities, and Evotec's antibody development and manufacturing technologies.
The initiative aims to advance first-in-class antibodies with a novel mechanism-of-action to treat IPF and non-type 2 asthma, both conditions with significant unmet medical needs.
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) ha annunciato un finanziamento collaborativo di 4,5 milioni di dollari USA dal Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) insieme all'Università Yonsei e alla biotech coreana Zymedi. Il finanziamento supporterà lo sviluppo di terapie biologiche all'avanguardia per le malattie polmonari, in particolare l'asma e la fibrosi polmonare idiopatica (IPF).
Il progetto si concentra sullo sviluppo di anticorpi anti-infiammatori e anti-fibrotici diretti contro le tRNA sintetasiche, una nuova classe di bersagli terapeutici. La collaborazione unisce l'expertise dell'Università Yonsei nelle tRNA sintetasiche, le capacità traslazionali di Zymedi e le tecnologie di sviluppo e produzione di anticorpi di Evotec.
L'iniziativa mira a far progredire anticorpi di prima classe con un nuovo meccanismo d'azione per trattare l'IPF e l'asma non di tipo 2, entrambe condizioni con significative esigenze mediche insoddisfatte.
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) anunció una subvención colaborativa de 4,5 millones de dólares estadounidenses del Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) junto con la Universidad Yonsei y la biotecnológica coreana Zymedi. La financiación apoyará el desarrollo de terapias biológicas de primera clase para enfermedades pulmonares, específicamente el asma y la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (IPF).
El proyecto se centra en desarrollar anticuerpos antiinflamatorios y antifibróticos que se dirigen a las tRNA sintetasas, una nueva clase de objetivos terapéuticos. La colaboración combina la experiencia de la Universidad Yonsei en tRNA sintetasas, las capacidades de traducción de Zymedi y las tecnologías de desarrollo y manufactura de anticuerpos de Evotec.
La iniciativa tiene como objetivo avanzar anticuerpos de primera clase con un novedoso mecanismo de acción para tratar el IPF y el asma no tipo 2, ambas condiciones con necesidades médicas significativas no satisfechas.
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO)는 한국고급기술연구원(KIAT)과 연세대학교, 한국 생명공학 기업 Zymedi의 협력으로 450만 달러의 협력 기부금을 발표했습니다. 이 자금은 천식 및 특발성 폐섬유증(IPF)과 같은 폐 질환을 위한 최초의 생물학적 요법 개발을 지원합니다.
이 프로젝트는 tRNA 합성이 효소의 혁신적인 치료 타겟 클래스인 항염증 및 항섬유증 항체 개발에 중점을 둡니다. 이 협력은 연세대학교의 tRNA 합성 효소에 대한 전문성, Zymedi의 번역 가능성, 그리고 Evotec의 항체 개발 및 제조 기술을 결합합니다.
이 이니셔티브는 IPF와 비제2형 천식을 치료하기 위한 새로운 작용 메커니즘을 가진 최초의 항체를 발전시키는 것을 목표로 하며, 두 조건 모두 상당한 의료적 요구가 있습니다.
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) a annoncé un accord de collaboration de 4,5 millions de dollars américains du Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) en partenariat avec l'Université Yonsei et la biotech coréenne Zymedi. Ce financement soutiendra le développement de thérapies biologiques de première classe pour les maladies pulmonaires, en particulier l'asthme et la fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique (IPF).
Le projet se concentre sur le développement de anticorps anti-inflammatoires et anti-fibrotiques ciblant les tRNA synthétases, une nouvelle classe de cibles thérapeutiques. La collaboration combine l'expertise de l'Université Yonsei en tRNA synthétases, les capacités translationales de Zymedi et les technologies de développement et de fabrication d'anticorps d'Evotec.
Cette initiative vise à faire progresser des anticorps de première classe avec un nouveau mécanisme d'action pour traiter l'IPF et l'asthme non de type 2, deux conditions avec des besoins médicaux non satisfaits significatifs.
Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) gab eine gemeinschaftliche Förderung in Höhe von 4,5 Millionen US-Dollar vom Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) zusammen mit der Yonsei Universität und dem koreanischen Biotech-Unternehmen Zymedi bekannt. Die Finanzierung wird die Entwicklung von erstklassigen biologischen Therapien für Lungenerkrankungen, insbesondere Asthma und idiopathische Lungenfibrose (IPF), unterstützen.
Das Projekt konzentriert sich auf die Entwicklung neuartiger entzündungshemmender und anti-fibrotischer Antikörper, die auf tRNA-Synthetasen abzielen, eine aufkommende Klasse therapeutischer Ziele. Die Zusammenarbeit vereint die Expertise der Yonsei Universität in tRNA-Synthetasen, die translationalen Fähigkeiten von Zymedi und die Technologien von Evotec zur Antikörperentwicklung und -herstellung.
Die Initiative zielt darauf ab, erstklassige Antikörper mit einem neuartigen Wirkmechanismus zur Behandlung von IPF und nicht Typ-2-Asthma voranzubringen, beide Zustände mit signifikanten unerfüllten medizinischen Bedürfnissen.
- Secured US$ 4.5 million government grant for novel antibody development
- Strategic partnership with Yonsei University and Zymedi enhances R&D capabilities
- Targeting high-value market opportunities in asthma and IPF treatment
- Early-stage preclinical development with uncertain outcomes
- Significant R&D investment required beyond grant funding
Insights
The
Novel Target Class Potential: The focus on tRNA synthetases represents an innovative approach in treating lung diseases. These molecular machines, traditionally known for their role in protein synthesis, have emerged as promising therapeutic targets due to their newly discovered regulatory functions. This novel mechanism of action could potentially overcome limitations of current treatments, particularly for difficult-to-treat conditions like non-type 2 asthma and IPF.
Market Opportunity Context: The IPF market alone is projected to grow significantly, driven by aging populations and increasing diagnosis rates. Current IPF treatments primarily slow disease progression but don't offer a cure, creating a substantial opportunity for novel therapies. Similarly, non-type 2 asthma represents an underserved market segment with treatment options.
Strategic Partnership Value: The collaboration leverages complementary strengths: Yonsei University's expertise in tRNA synthetase biology, Zymedi's translational capabilities and Evotec's advanced antibody development platform. This combination could accelerate the development timeline and reduce technical risks.
However, investors should note that this is still in preclinical development, with significant milestones and potential risks ahead before any commercial prospects materialize. The grant, while validating the approach, represents a relatively modest financial contribution in the context of typical drug development costs.
Yonsei University, Zymedi and Evotec receive US
$ 4.5m grant from the Korea Institute of Advanced Technology under the Korean Ministry for Trade, Industry and EnergyFunding supports a novel collaboration to develop first-in-class therapeutic antibodies to treat asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
HAMBURG, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2025 / Evotec SE (Frankfurt Stock Exchange:EVT, MDAX/TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809; NASDAQ: EVO) announced that, together with Yonsei University and the Korean biotech company Zymedi, it will receive a US
"We are excited to work together with Prof. Sunghoon Kim and our colleagues at Zymedi and Yonsei University to cooperatively advance a particularly promising approach to develop novel antibody-based treatments for asthma and IPF," said Dr Thomas Hanke, EVP & Head of Academic Partnerships at Evotec. "The synergies between the three parties supported by the KIAT grant showcase how international collaborations can help accelerate the development of novel therapies for diseases with a high unmet medical need: Dr. Kim's laboratory at Yonsei University has been recognized as a global leader in the field of tRNA synthetases by uncovering their diverse regulatory activities for body homeostasis. Zymedi is an aspiring Korean company translating the pathologic association of tRNA synthetases to new medicine. Evotec will bring to bear its world-class antibody development, engineering and manufacturing technologies together with its integrated preclinical R&D platforms for drug discovery and development of fibrosis and lung diseases. We are grateful to the Korean government and honored to be part of this outstanding consortium"
"The previously untapped biology of tRNA synthetases provides a versatile route for new drug development. I am very excited to launch the project with Evotec to develop novel therapeutic antibodies targeting a disease-causing activities by these enzymes" said Sunghoon Kim, Professor and Director, Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Research at Yonsei University.
The project aims to advance first-in-class antibodies targeting a novel mechanism-of-action in the area of tRNA synthetase biology to treat IPF and non-type 2 asthma. Both disease entities are characterized by a high need to develop novel therapies that will improve future standard-of-care.
About Yonsei University
Yonsei University, founded in 1885 in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious private institution renowned for academic excellence. Ranking #56 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the university serves approximately 38,725 students across 14 colleges and 15 graduate schools, offering diverse programs in humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine. Located primarily in Sinchon, Seoul, Yonsei's mission focuses on educating global leaders committed to humanity's progress. The university distinguishes itself through extensive research capabilities, 153 research centers, and a strong international perspective. With a rich academic heritage, Yonsei has produced notable alumni including a Nobel laureate and an Academy Award winner. Embodying values of "truth and freedom", the institution continues to be a leading educational platform preparing students to become innovative global professionals. For additional information please go to www.yonsei.ac.kr .
About Zymedi
Zymedi is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering novel biology of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) as innovative therapeutic solutions. While traditionally known for their role in protein synthesis, ARSs also play crucial roles in the body's homeostasis-an overlooked function with profound implications for human diseases. Since 2019, Zymedi has focused on harnessing the untapped potential of ARSs, developing first-in-class therapies to address critical unmet medical needs. The company's proprietary drug discovery platform drives its innovation, enabling a robust pipeline of therapies grounded in deep ARS biology. A current key focus disease area includes immune and fibrotic diseases and cancer.Zymedi is currently collaborating with US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for clinical studies of ZMA001, a therapeutic antibody for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company is located in Incheon, Korea and venture-backed. For additional information, please visit www.zymedi.com and follow us on Instagram @zymedi_official and LinkedIn .
About Evotec SE
Evotec is a life science company with a unique business model that delivers on its mission to discover and develop highly effective therapeutics and make them available to the patients. The Company's multimodality platform comprises a unique combination of innovative technologies, data and science for the discovery, development, and production of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products. Evotec provides high value pipeline co-creating partnerships and solutions to all Top 20 Pharma and over 800 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, as well as other healthcare stakeholders. Evotec has strategic activities in a broad range of currently underserved therapeutic areas, including e.g. neurology, oncology, as well as metabolic and infectious diseases. Within these areas of expertise, Evotec aims to create the world-leading co-owned pipeline for innovative therapeutics and has to-date established a portfolio of more than 200 proprietary and co-owned R&D projects from early discovery to clinical development. Evotec operates globally with more than 5,000 highly qualified people. The Company's sites in Europe and the USA offer highly synergistic technologies and services and operate as complementary clusters of excellence. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on X/Twitter @Evotec and LinkedIn .
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning future events, including the proposed offering and listing of Evotec's securities. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "should," "target," "would" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include comments regarding Evotec's expectations for revenues, Group EBITDA and unpartnered R&D expenses. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by Evotec at the time these statements were made. No assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Evotec. Evotec expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Evotec's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Volker Braun
EVP Head of Global Investor Relations & ESG
Volker.Braun@evotec.com
Media
Susanne Kreuter
VP Head of Strategic Marketing
Susanne.Kreuter@evotec.com
SOURCE: Evotec SE
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