Evotec's Novel Antibody-Based Treatments for Lung Diseases: A Promising Collaboration

Evotec SE, a leading life science company, has received a significant grant from the Korean Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) to develop novel antibody-based treatments for lung diseases, specifically targeting asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The US$ 4.5 million grant will fund a collaborative project between Evotec, Yonsei University, and Zymedi, a Korean biotech company. This international collaboration aims to advance first-in-class biologic therapies to treat these high-need lung diseases.



The project focuses on the preclinical development of novel anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic antibodies directed against tRNA synthetases, an emerging therapeutic target class. tRNA synthetases play a crucial role in protein synthesis and have recently been shown to have regulatory activities that impact body homeostasis, providing a versatile route for new drug development.

Evotec, with its world-class antibody development, engineering, and manufacturing technologies, will lead the project. The company's integrated preclinical R&D platforms for drug discovery and development of fibrosis and lung diseases will be instrumental in advancing the project. Yonsei University, recognized as a global leader in tRNA synthetase research, will contribute its expertise in uncovering the diverse regulatory activities of these enzymes. Zymedi, an aspiring Korean company translating the pathologic association of tRNA synthetases to new medicine, will bring its innovative approach to ARSs and proprietary drug discovery platform.

The collaboration between these three parties showcases how international collaborations can help accelerate the development of novel therapies for diseases with a high unmet medical need. The synergies between the partners, supported by the KIAT grant, will enable the project to advance first-in-class antibodies targeting a novel mechanism-of-action in the area of tRNA synthetase biology to treat IPF and non-type 2 asthma.

The global market for lung disease treatments is substantial and continues to grow, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic lung diseases. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global lung disease treatment market size was valued at USD 34.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2021 to 2028. The market for IPF treatments alone is projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

The project's focus on tRNA synthetases as an emerging therapeutic target class aligns well with these market opportunities and unmet medical needs. By targeting tRNA synthetases, the project has the potential to address the unmet medical needs in these lung disease areas and create significant market opportunities for novel antibody-based treatments.

In conclusion, Evotec's collaboration with Yonsei University and Zymedi to develop novel antibody-based treatments for lung diseases is a promising endeavor. The project's focus on tRNA synthetases as an emerging therapeutic target class, combined with the expertise and synergies of the collaborating partners, positions it well to address the high unmet medical needs in the lung disease space and create significant market opportunities.