Evotec and Sernova announce exclusive global strategic partnership to advance a ‘functional cure’ for diabetes
On May 17, 2022, Evotec SE (“Evotec”) and Sernova Corp. (“Sernova”) announced a partnership in the field of diabetes. Both Companies will leverage their respective strengths to develop an implantable Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-based beta cell replacement therapy for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes, including type 1 and 2.
The partnership will combine iPSC-based beta cells from Evotec’s QRbeta initiative with Sernova’s proprietary Cell Pouch™, the leading implantable and scalable medical device in its class. The combination of primary donor islets and Cell Pouch has achieved long-lasting therapeutic results in patients enrolled in Sernova’s US-based Phase I/II clinical trial. The goal of the partnership is the development of an off-the-shelf iPSC-based beta cell replacement therapy device for the treatment of patients living with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Sernova has acquired an option for an exclusive global license to Evotec’s Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-based Beta cells for use with its Cell Pouch system to treat diabetes
From an operational perspective, the preclinical development program(s) will be jointly funded until IND acceptance. Sernova has the right to exercise its option for an exclusive global license upon IND filing. Evotec will contribute cell manufacturing through commercialisation and decide in the future on joint funding of clinical development. Upon commercialisation, there will be a profit-sharing arrangement between the two companies, with the split dependent upon Evotec’s participation in the clinical development program.
In conjunction with the agreement, Evotec has committed to a strategic €20 million equity investment in Sernova (approx. C$27 million at an €/C$ fx rate of 1.355).
Further information can be found on accesswire.com and on Globe Newswire’s website.
Evotec is a life science company with a unique business model focused on delivering highly effective new therapeutics to the patients. Evotec leverages its multimodality platform, the “Data-driven R&D Autobahn to Cures”, for proprietary projects and within a network of partners including Pharma, Biotech, academics, and other healthcare stakeholders. With more than 4,200 highly qualified people at 15 sites, Evotec aims to create the world-leading co-owned pipeline for innovative therapeutics. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com or follow them on Twitter @Evotec and LinkedIn.
Sernova is a clinical-stage company developing regenerative medicine therapeutic technologies using a medical device and immune protected therapeutic cells (i.e., human donor cells, corrected human cells and stem-cell derived cells) to improve the treatment and quality of life of people with chronic metabolic diseases such as insulin- dependent diabetes, blood disorders including hemophilia, and other diseases treated through replacement of proteins or hormones missing or in short supply within the body.