Evotec, Storm Therapeutics to exploit RNA modulating enzymes for epigenetic drug discovery

The focus will be on a range of newly discovered RNA modulating enzyme targets.

Evotec and STORM have been collaborating since 2016 in high-throughput screening and structural biology to identify hits against two of Storm's RNA modulating targets. The agreement has been expanded to support STORM's chemistry efforts on additional novel targets. Evotec will use its broad drug discovery platform to develop the compounds against these novel RNA targets.

STORM was founded based on pioneering work in the Kouzarides & Miska labs at the University of Cambridge to tackle diseases through drugging of RNA modulating enzymes. STORM is the only company harnessing the power of RNA epigenetics as a new area of important biology.

Dr Mario Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec, commented: "We are excited to be part of this extended drug discovery collaboration with STORM which is targeting this novel class of RNA modulating enzymes. This integrated drug discovery collaboration showcases our industry leading drug discovery platform and expertise and shows how it can be applied to the most novel drug targets."

Keith Blundy, CEO of STORM Therapeutics, added: "We are very happy to further expand this relationship with Evotec. At STORM, our vision is to become the world's first company to deliver a disease-modifying agent that works by targeting RNA modulating enzymes. The combination of our understanding of the unique biology of our multiple targets and the infrastructure we have in place with Evotec will enable us to accelerate the development of novel small molecule drug candidates."

No financial details were disclosed.