Evotec AG has announced a strategic collaboration on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology with the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, ScreeningPort (Fraunhofer IME-SP), Hamburg, as an important element of the existing Evotec/Fraunhofer cooperation agreement signed in 2014. Through this partnership, Fraunhofer IME-SP will provide access to its technology portfolio including advanced genetic characterisation techniques and innovative quality control procedures to support Evotec's patient-derived iPSC platform. The contract will run for an initial period of two years.
Dr Cord Dohrmann, chief scientific officer of Evotec, commented: "We are very pleased to have teamed up with Fraunhofer IME-SP. As a life sciences organisation that operates at the interface of academic and industrial ambition and with a number of iPSC-based initiatives already in place, it is perfectly positioned to provide cutting-edge technologies and expertise to support Evotec's own efforts in this exciting area."
Dr Ole Pless, Head of Translational Drug Discovery of Fraunhofer IME, added: "Both Fraunhofer and Evotec are focused on advancing drug discovery using the multifaceted opportunities which patient-derived iPSCs add to the tool box for deciphering complex diseases. This collaboration is further strengthening our understanding of how iPSC technology can lead to more successful drug development programmes. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Evotec and supporting their ambitious plans for iPSC-based drug discovery."
The Fraunhofer IME conducts research in the field of applied life sciences from a molecular level to entire ecosystems, in the areas of pharmacy, medicine, chemistry, agriculture, as well as environmental and consumer protection. Fraunhofer IME mission is the development and use of novel technologies for diagnosis and therapy of human and animal diseases as well as the protection of crop plants and food sources.