Evotec enters into research collaboration with C4X Discovery

In order to further develop several series of Orexin-1 selective inhibitors, Evotec will apply its drug discovery platform with C4XD.

Activation of the orexin-1 receptor in the brain is associated with stress-related addictive disorders, while the activation of the orexin-2 receptor is related with biorhythms and wakefulness.

Evotec chief operating officer Dr Mario Polywka said: "We are delighted to work with C4XD on this strategic collaboration. C4XD has an exciting technology that can really revolutionise how rational drug design is conducted, particularly on targets like Orexin where the conformation of drug-like ligands is particular important to on-target potency.

"With Evotec’s complementary expertise in computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology we look forward to help drive C4XD’s objective to develop compounds to treat addictive disorders."

The company said that discovery and development of selective compounds that inhibit the orexin-1 pathway thus should provide treatments for addiction avoiding the sedative effects related with inhibition of orexin-2.

C4XD CEO Piers Morgan said: "Through this collaboration with Evotec, we expect our novel biological discoveries and medical insights will be effectively and efficiently progressed into a state-of-the-art drug discovery and development programme.

"The collaboration is already demonstrating the benefit of an alliance in accelerating drug discovery projects."