Evogene and Tel Aviv University collaborate on drug discovery for metabolite-related diseases.

Evogene Ltd. has announced a scientific collaboration with Professor Ehud Gazit's research group from Tel Aviv University to develop novel small molecules as potential drug candidates for diseases caused by the ordered self-assembly of metabolites. The partnership aims to accelerate the discovery and optimization of these molecules, which can help treat diseases like Tyrosinemia and Gout. The collaboration was facilitated by Ramot, the tech transfer company of Tel Aviv University.

Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN), a leading computational biology and chemistry company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Professor Ehud Gazit's research group from Tel Aviv University to develop novel small molecules as potential drug candidates for diseases caused by the ordered self-assembly of metabolites. The partnership aims to accelerate the discovery and optimization of these molecules, which can help treat diseases like Tyrosinemia and Gout. The collaboration was facilitated by Ramot, the tech transfer company of Tel Aviv University.

The collaboration brings together Evogene's ChemPass AI's state-of-the-art computational capabilities for generative molecular design with Professor Gazit's world-renowned expertise in the characterization and manipulation of the self-organization of biological molecules. Professor Gazit's discovery of the ability of very short peptides, as well as metabolites, to form typical amyloidal nano-fibrils offers critical insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. This deep scientific understanding will be coupled with Evogene's generative AI models, purpose-built to optimize across multiple key parameters, offering a synergistic solution.

The collaboration is aimed at leveraging ChemPass AI's advanced algorithms and models to decipher desired modes of action and drive generative molecular design. The goal is to create entirely novel molecules tailored to exhibit a precise combination of features necessary for therapeutic efficacy. The partnership targets disorders caused by metabolite self-assembly - including Tyrosinemia, Gout, and Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) - where impaired metabolic breakdown leads to harmful molecular aggregates.

Professor Ehud Gazit from Tel Aviv University stated: "We are excited to join forces with Evogene in this groundbreaking endeavor. For more than a decade, our research has revealed for the first time how small metabolites can self-assemble into amyloid-like structures that contribute to the pathology of numerous rare and common diseases. By integrating our fundamental understanding of molecular self-assembly with Evogene's cutting-edge AI-driven drug design platform, we have a unique opportunity to develop novel therapeutics that specifically target these pathological processes and ultimately improve treatment for patients."

Dr. Gabi Tarcic, Evogene's VP Product, stated: "This collaboration with Professor Gazit's outstanding research group at Tel Aviv University represents a significant milestone in our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge computational chemistry and AI to address complex medical challenges. By combining Professor Gazit's deep insights into molecular self-assembly with our powerful ChemPass AI platform, we aim to accelerate the discovery of truly novel therapeutics that could profoundly impact the lives of millions suffering from metabolite aggregation diseases."

This collaboration between Evogene and Professor Gazit's lab represents a strategic combination of complementary technologies addressing a unique disease mechanism. The partnership targets disorders caused by metabolite self-assembly, potentially opening new therapeutic avenues. The scientific approach here is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on disrupting the ordered self-assembly process itself rather than traditional enzyme replacement. This could potentially overcome limitations of current treatments for these conditions.

What makes this partnership scientifically promising is the application of Evogene's AI capabilities to a well-characterized biological mechanism. The ChemPass AI platform appears to be well-suited for this challenge as it can optimize across multiple parameters simultaneously - critical for designing molecules that can specifically disrupt self-assembly without affecting other biological processes.

For Evogene, this collaboration expands their drug discovery portfolio into metabolic diseases while showcasing their AI platform's versatility. The partnership also validates their technology through association with Professor Gazit's renowned research. While commercial timelines aren't specified, this represents an early-stage drug discovery collaboration that will require significant development before clinical applications emerge.

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/evogene-and-professor-ehud-gazit-tel-aviv-university-announce-collaboration-develop
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/EVGN/evogene-and-professor-ehud-gazit-of-tel-aviv-university-announce-a-flfg8hjsnbqu.html