Evotec SE has secured a contract valued at up to $74M from the U.S. Department of Defense to Combat Orthopoxviruses

Evotec SE, a prominent biotechnology company has secured a contract valued at up to $74 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The objective of this contract is to accelerate the development of prototypes for monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs that target orthopoxviruses, a group of viruses including smallpox, monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia virus. This collaboration with the DOD marks Evotec’s second project under the Accelerated Antibodies Program.

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Evotec Biologics Sets the Pace in Combating Orthopoxviruses

The contract covers the entire drug development process, from discovery to Phase I clinical trials.  With the aid of AI-driven de novo antibody design, Just – Evotec Biologics will evaluate current mAbs and speed up the discovery of new mAbs using its cutting-edge technology platform, J.DESIGN. They will also make use of their skills in intensified continuous manufacturing, cell line and process development, and molecular optimization at the J.POD facility in Redmond, Washington (USA). This all-encompassing strategy ensures that mAb prototypes to combat orthopoxviruses are produced effectively.

The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) of the DOD welcomes the chance to increase collaboration, says Dr. Linda Zuckerman, Executive Vice President Global Head Biotherapeutics at Just – Evotec Biologics. She focuses on the crucial part that biologics development plays in advancing crucial programs for the DOD.

Evotec’s Integrated Solution Earns Praise 

The CEO of Evotec, Dr. Werner Lanthaler, is ecstatic about the expanded collaboration with the DOD. He draws attention to the integrated J.DESIGN platform from Just – Evotec Biologics’ suitability for the quick and affordable development and production of high-quality medical countermeasures. He is happy to offer the DOD an all-encompassing solution that includes research, development, and manufacturing.

Mr. Bruce Goodwin, the Joint Project Lead for CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies, expresses his satisfaction with the collaboration, recognizing the program’s innovation and significance in protecting military personnel.

Orthopoxviruses’ Public Health Impact and the Demand for Effective Antibody Treatments

Orthopoxviruses, including smallpox (variola virus), monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia virus, belong to the Poxviridae family. While vaccines exist for some orthopoxviruses like smallpox and cowpox, there are currently no approved antibody treatments for infections caused by these viruses. As a result, orthopoxviruses pose a significant public health concern, emphasizing the urgent need for effective antibody-based treatments.

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