Evotec, a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company based in Germany, and Second Genome, a South San Francisco-based therapeutic developer, are collaborating on small molecule-based discovery and development activities for the treatment of microbiome-mediated diseases.

The collaboration comprises the identification and optimization of novel compounds, as well as license agreements for already existing assets developed by Evotec. Second Genome's unique approach to identify and modulate microbiome-mediated pathways will be further enhanced by the use and the results of Evotec's integrated drug discovery platform.

Second Genome and Evotec will work together to screen microbiome-mediated targets of interest identified by the Second Genome microbiome discovery platform with Evotec's technology platform, chemical libraries and other preclinical capabilities. The agreement between Evotec and Second Genome triggers an undisclosed upfront payment. Evotec also is eligible for preclinical, clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as royalty payments.

Dr. Cord Dohrmann, chief scientific officer of Evotec, said, "We are pleased to contribute to Second Genome's unique approach to treat microbiome-mediated diseases in the body with a particular emphasis on the gut. The enrichment and maturation of Second Genome's project portfolio through our contributions will enhance the company's clinical pipeline in the near future."

Mohan Iyer, chief business officer of Second Genome, said, "The partnership with Evotec allows us efficiently to translate our unique microbiome discovery platform efficiently into tangible drug molecules for clinical development. Our enriched pipeline offers new treatment approaches for patients across a wide range of diseases with an initial focus on inflammatory conditions."

Further financial terms have not been disclosed.