Evotec and Bristol Myers Squibb Expand Proteomics Partnership to Boost Drug Discovery

Evotec SE has reported significant advancements in its strategic collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, aimed at developing a pipeline focused on molecular glue technologies. The partnership's recent scientific breakthroughs have led to an expanded portfolio of molecular glue degraders that extend beyond oncology. This progress has resulted in a program-based payment of $50 million to Evotec. The expansion of the pipeline is expected to enhance the overall deal value, particularly through potential future milestones tied to the program.

Evotec and Bristol Myers Squibb first joined forces in 2018 through a strategic partnership focused on protein degradation, which was further expanded in May 2022 due to the success of their initial collaboration. The productive alliance has led to the development of a strong pipeline of promising compounds. 

Since the expansion, Evotec has ramped up its efforts, leveraging Bristol Myers Squibb’s extensive library of CELMoDs™ (cereblon E3 ligase modulators) to create innovative treatments. The partnership remains focused on advancing leadership in the field, expanding beyond oncology to target a range of high-value diseases with novel molecular glue degraders.

Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, said in a statement, “We are delighted to expand our successful partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb into fields beyond oncology with a significant unmet medical need. The unique mode of action, combined with drug-likeness and oral administration make molecular glue degraders a promising and versatile therapeutic option. Our partnership with BMS continues to build an extraordinary pipeline of first-in-class product opportunities and we look forward to driving the joint portfolio of programmes towards clinical validation for the benefit of patients.”