Evotec Neurosciences to licence NMDA receptor NR2B subunit selective antagonists from Roche
Evotec Neurosciences GmbH (ENS), a subsidiary of Evotec OAI AG announced that it has acquired from Roche an exclusive worldwide license to develop and market an extensive patent portfolio covering NMDA receptor NR2B subtype selective antagonists for the treatment of a variety of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's Disease, neuropathic pain and Parkinson's disease. Roche has retained rights to reacquire the compounds in the future. Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
The novel compounds are in late pre-clinical development. They show a considerably improved side effect profile compared to non-selective NMDA receptor antagonists and include structures with good oral availability.
Dr Kemp, CEO of Evotec Neurosciences AG, commented: "We are delighted to have acquired the license to this broad portfolio of patents covering both injectable and orally active NMDA receptor NR2B subtype selective antagonists. They broaden our CNS portfolio significantly, supplementing our Alzheimer's collaboration with Takeda and a number of promising internal programmes. Recent pre-clinical and clinical data has shown that while these subtype selective compounds retain the therapeutic potential of non-selective NMDA receptor antagonists, they are much less prone to adverse side-effects."
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