Under the contract, Evotec Biologics will develop drug product prototype(s) from discovery through the execution of Phase 1 first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials
US DOD awarded a second contract to Evotec for mAb development. (Credit: Julia Koblitz on Unsplash)
Evotec Biologics, a subsidiary of biotechnology company Evotec, has secured its second contract valued up to $74m from the US Department of Defense (DOD) for the rapid development of monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based drug product prototypes focused on orthopoxviruses.
Under the terms of the contract, granted under the accelerated antibodies programme, Evotec Biologics will develop drug product prototype(s) from discovery through the execution of Phase 1 first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials.
The discovery activities will include finding new mAbs using artificial intelligence (AI)-driven de novo antibody design and assessment of existing mAbs.
For rapid development, Evotec will use its J.DESIGN technology platform with activities including molecular optimisation, cell line and process development, and intensified continuous manufacturing at its advanced development and manufacturing facility – J.POD Redmond, US.
Additionally, the Germany-based biotechnology company will use its pre-clinical and clinical biologics development capabilities.
This will enable rapid, cost-efficient development of mAb product prototypes for an accelerated supply of safe and efficacious mAb medical countermeasures (MCMs) for use against orthopoxviruses.
Evotec Biologics Biotherapeutics global head and EVP Linda Zuckerman said: “It is an honour to expand our collaboration with the DOD’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) with this second target program effort to support the DOD’s Accelerated Antibodies Program.
“We are pleased to bring critical capabilities in biologics development to accelerate this important program for the DOD.”
J.DESIGN platform uses AI and machine learning for flexible and efficient biologics development, from discovery through to clinical and commercial manufacturing. It is said to be suitable for monoclonal antibodies and other protein modalities.
In September 2022, Evotec Biologics received the first contract under the accelerated antibodies programme for the development of mAbs against plague.
In May last year, Evotec inked a definitive agreement to acquire Italy-based cell therapy manufacturer Rigenerand for €23m.