SAN DIEGO and HAMBURG, Germany, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Trega Biosciences,
Inc. (Nasdaq: TRGA), and EVOTEC BioSystems AG (Neuer Markt: EVT), based in
Hamburg, Germany today announced that they have entered into a strategic
collaboration comprising the joint development of novel,
high-throughput ADME assays for use in drug discovery lead optimization, a
licensing agreement regarding Trega's IDEA(TM) predictive model and the
purchase of Trega's Chem.Folio(TM) chemistry libraries by EVOTEC.
Collaborative research program
Trega and EVOTEC will collaborate on the development of new, miniaturized,
high-throughput ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion)
assays for pre-clinical lead optimization. The objective is to identify drug
candidates with higher chances of success prior to clinical testing in a
faster and more cost-efficient manner. The collaboration combines EVOTEC's
unique expertise in ultra high-throughput screening technology (uHTS),
miniaturized assay development and its detection expertise based on its
proprietary single molecule detection technology (FCS+plus) with Trega's
extensive capabilities in the field of ADME screening and assay development.
The ADME assays resulting from this collaboration will be utilized by both
companies to enhance their respective research efforts.
Under the terms of the agreement EVOTEC will have an exclusive license to
all developed assays while Trega will be entitled to royalties on drug
discovery collaboration revenues of assays offered to third parties by EVOTEC.
Trega also will own data generated on a selected set of compounds.
Access to Trega's IDEA(TM) Predictive Model
Under the terms of the agreement, EVOTEC will receive a license to Trega's
IDEA predictive model. IDEA is a quantitative and predictive simulation model
developed as part of Trega's iDiscovery(TM) technology. The model is designed
to generate data capable of enhancing identification and optimization of lead
compounds for ADME characteristics. The absorption module of the IDEA model
is currently available for sale. In addition, compounds from the Chem.Folio
library will be screened through the new jointly developed assays and the data
will be used to enhance the IDEA predictive models.
Sale of Trega's combinatorial chemistry libraries, Chem.Folio(TM)
EVOTEC will purchase certain amounts of all compounds contained within
Trega's inventory as well as compounds produced through the end of 2000. The
compounds purchased will also include the associated information, such as
synthetic protocols, cytotoxicity, and physico-chemical data, which
demonstrates the suitability of the compounds for screening. EVOTEC will use
the compounds in its internal drug discovery programs as well as make them
accessible on a fee per compound basis for their screening customers including
a payment to Trega.
"EVOTEC's expertise in developing innovative screening technology and
assays will expand the breadth of Trega's continuing efforts in the ADME
simulation area," said Michael G. Grey, president and CEO of Trega. "The
output of this collaboration will significantly accelerate the development of
IDEA, and increase the value of Trega's Chem.Folio libraries to its customers.
EVOTEC's decision to screen Chem.Folio libraries and offer them through their
service business to their customers is yet another indication of the value of
Trega's libraries and the strength of Trega's business as a supplier of
quality chemistry. Through joint marketing of the screening libraries and
EVOTEC's ultra high-throughput screening services, EVOTEC can become an
additional distribution channel for Trega's compounds by offering them to its
customers."
"Miniaturized cellular ADME assays in high-throughput mode represent a
major breakthrough in early drug discovery," said Dr. Timm Jessen, Chief
Scientific and Operating Officer of EVOTEC BioSystems AG. "The innovative
drug discovery tools that will result from this collaboration including access
to IDEA and Chem.Folio will significantly increase our drug discovery
capabilities and expertise. The alliance with Trega is consistent with
EVOTEC's business strategy in providing cutting-edge and innovative drug
discovery technologies to biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners."
Trega Biosciences is an information-driven company focused on accelerating
drug discovery from disease targets to clinical candidates through
iDiscovery(TM) comprised of small molecule combinatorial chemistry, high
throughput screening and predictive bioinformatics to rapidly create novel
drug candidates having greater chances of clinical success. Trega offers
integrated products and services spanning the drug discovery process --
beginning with synthesizing novel compounds to providing uniquely qualified
drug leads -- to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Trega
also uses its drug discovery technologies in its internal development
programs, which are focused on discovering small molecules acting on
melanocortin receptors, which may be important in the treatment of
inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
EVOTEC is a biotechnology company that focuses on finding new and
effective drugs that correspond to unmet medical needs by developing and
utilizing integrated technologies to overcome the current obstacles and
challenges of the drug discovery process. EVOTEC's technology represents the
first one-microliter miniaturized platform applicable across the entire drug
discovery process: from target identification, through high-throughput
screening and profiling, to ADME/Tox studies. EVOTEC's multi-disciplinary
team of experienced scientists offers drug discovery services to the life
science industry. Furthermore EVOTEC's in-house drug discovery programs focus
on Alzheimer's disease, cancer and infectious diseases. EVOTEC's most
important partnerships include Novartis, SmithKline Beecham, Pfizer, BASF
Pharma and Roche. The company currently employs a staff of 228 and has
generated revenues of DM 14.3 million in 1998. EVOTEC shares have been listed
on the Neuer Markt of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 10 November 1999.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including whether this collaboration will be
successful, any additional collaborations or alliances will be agreed to,
formed or expanded, whether the IDEA models can be successfully developed and
commercialized, whether regulatory approvals can be obtained for products
discovered and developed, if any, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, whether any other corporate collaborations or alliances will be
successful, and other risks detailed from time to time in Trega's Securities
and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements represent
Trega's judgment as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected. Trega disclaims, however, any intent or
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For copies of press releases and additional information, please consult
Trega's web site at http://www.trega.com or by PR Newswire's fax-on-demand
service at 1-800-758-5804, extension 374050. For EVOTEC, please consult
http://www.evotec.com.
SOURCE Trega Biosciences, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.evotec.com
http://www.trega.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/374050.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 374050
CONTACT:
Mark Schwartz, Ph.D., VP, Commercial Ops,
COO, 858-410-6693 or 925-648-7899, or Cynthia Reindal, Corp.
Communications & Investor Relations, 858-410-6601, both of Trega
Biosciences, Inc.; or Anne Hennecke, Investor Relations of EVOTEC
BioSystems AG, 011-49-40-56081-286
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