Evotec and Odyssey Therapeutics have formed a strategic collaboration to discover AI-enabled small molecule therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases using advanced screening and proprietary compound libraries.
Written By: Umesh Hanumante,
M.Pharm (Reg. Affairs)
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Evotec SE has entered a strategic research and development collaboration with Odyssey Therapeutics to discover new small molecule therapies targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Under the agreement, Odyssey will use Evotec’s integrated discovery platform, which combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-throughput screening, computational data science, and proprietary chemical libraries to identify differentiated drug candidates for multiple discovery-stage programs.
The companies will focus on validating hit series against several high-value disease targets that could support the development of next-generation therapies for large autoimmune and inflammatory indications with significant unmet medical need.
Financial terms were not disclosed. However, Evotec will be eligible to receive milestone payments linked to the successful delivery of validated hit series for each research target.
Accelerating Early Drug Discovery Through AI and Advanced Screening
The collaboration integrates complementary scientific capabilities from both organizations.
Odyssey contributes expertise in autoimmune and inflammatory disease biology, target selection, and translational research, while Evotec provides an integrated discovery infrastructure that combines laboratory experimentation with AI-enabled data analysis.
Using high-throughput experimental screening alongside machine learning algorithms, the partners will analyze large biological and chemical datasets to rapidly identify promising small molecule starting points. These validated hit series can then progress into lead optimization and preclinical development more efficiently than traditional discovery approaches.
The approach is intended to improve both the speed and quality of early-stage drug discovery by prioritizing compounds with stronger biological activity and drug-like characteristics.
Addressing Persistent Unmet Needs in Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affect millions of people worldwide and include conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, psoriasis, and several rare immune-mediated disorders.
Although biologics and targeted therapies have significantly improved treatment outcomes, many patients fail to achieve durable disease control, lose response over time, or experience safety limitations. The continued need for effective oral small molecule therapies has driven increasing investment in AI-enabled drug discovery platforms capable of identifying novel therapeutic mechanisms.
The Evotec-Odyssey collaboration focuses on generating differentiated small molecule candidates that may ultimately expand treatment options across these complex diseases.
Executive Perspective
Dr. Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, said modern drug discovery increasingly depends on combining deep understanding of disease biology with advanced experimental and computational technologies.
He noted that the collaboration reflects Evotec’s strategy of applying its integrated discovery platform to complex diseases where innovative therapeutic approaches remain urgently needed. According to Dohrmann, the partnership is expected to generate validated starting points that Odyssey can advance into future therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Future Development
The collaboration begins at the discovery stage, with Evotec responsible for delivering validated hit series across multiple therapeutic targets. Successful achievement of predefined research milestones could trigger milestone payments from Odyssey.
As promising candidates emerge, Odyssey is expected to advance selected programs through lead optimization, preclinical development, and subsequent clinical evaluation. While no development timelines or target indications have been disclosed, the partnership reflects continued industry investment in AI-assisted drug discovery to accelerate the development of innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases.
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About the Writer
Umesh Hanumante (M.Pharm) (LinkedIn) is a pharmacy professional and healthcare writer with a background in Regulatory Affairs, pharmaceutical innovation, and clinical research. He has around two years of industry experience as an Executive PMT at Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd and qualified GPAT 2024. His areas of interest include regulatory compliance, dossier preparation, clinical trials, emerging therapies, and advancements in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.