On May 9, 2023 Evotec SE (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, Prime Standard, ISIN: DE0005664809; NASDAQ: EVO) and Sandoz AG, a division of Novartis (NASDAQ: NVS) reported that Evotec’s Seattle-based subsidiary, Just – Evotec Biologics, Inc., launched a multi-year, long-term tech partnership with Sandoz for the immediate development and subsequent manufacturing of multiple biosimilars (Press release, Evotec, MAY 8, 2023, View Source;evotec-biologics-launches-tech-partnership-for-biosimilars-development-and-commercial-manufacturing-6290 [SID1234631242]).

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The partnership includes an option for the non-exclusive in-licensing of Just – Evotec Biologics’ proprietary technology by Sandoz for building its fully-owned S.POD facility (in analogy to Just – Evotec Biologics’ state-of-the-art J.POD facilities). According to the deal, Just – Evotec Biologics will receive a double-digit-million upfront and future payments dependent on successful development progress of US$ 640 m as well as additional undisclosed payments dependent on progress into commercial manufacturing and exercising the S.POD option.

The partnership sets out highest ambitions for reaching highest quality and lowest cost levels by introducing Just – Evotec Biologics’ data-driven, fully integrated design capability and continuous manufacturing technology (J.DESIGN) into the field of biosimilars, exclusive for all molecules in scope. Both parties are closely aligned in their quest for improving access to medicines for patients across the globe. The development of the biosimilars will ramp up over the coming 12-18 months in a highly collaborative fashion at Just – Evotec Biologics’ J.POD facilities.

In addition, this partnership will set a precedent for Sandoz being able to in-license, non-exclusively, the Just – Evotec Biologics’ proprietary J.DESIGN platform, process development and continuous manufacturing technology and build a state-of-the-art, fully owned ‘S.POD’ facility in the latter part of this decade. To secure industry leading performance, the Just – Evotec Biologics team will support design, construction, onboarding, and training of the Sandoz team to fully realise the potential of the technology with positive impact on cost, speed, and quality in the field of biosimilars.

J.DESIGN, Just – Evotec Biologics’ data-driven, highly automated end-to-end biologics technology platform, employs a series of innovative technologies relying on the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, intensified and continuous bioprocesses. The platform is specifically designed for de-risking clinical development, providing flexible clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities within the same J.POD facility and ultimately enabling cost-effective biologics commercial supply.

Dr Matthias Evers, Chief Business Officer, Evotec, commented: "We are thrilled to launch this partnership with massive impact potential for patients globally. With Sandoz’ recognised leadership in biosimilars development and commercialisation and our disruptive technology platform in the field of biologics development and manufacturing, this partnership has a chance to shift the paradigm of what it means to achieve access to lifesaving medicines."

Dr Linda Zuckerman, Executive Vice President, Global Head Biotherapeutics at Just – Evotec Biologics, added: "We are excited to build a highly collaborative partnership with a global leader in the field and are fully committed to support the team at Sandoz in development and manufacturing of a broad biosimilars portfolio out of our state-of-the-art J.POD sites. This partnership supports fully our mission to provide global access to important biotherapeutic medicines."

CONFERENCE CALL

Evotec is going to hold a conference call on Wednesday, 10 May 2023 to provide further information regarding this partnership. The conference call will be held in English.

Conference call details

Date: Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Time: 02.00 pm CEST (08.00 am EDT, 01.00 pm BST)

To join via phone, please pre-register via this link. You will then receive a confirmation email with dedicated dial-in details such as telephone number, access code and PIN to access the call.

A simultaneous slide presentation for participants dialling in via phone is available under this link.