Evotec and Apeiron establish pain alliance

German drug discovery firm Evotec has entered into a collaboration with Apeiron Biologics to identify small molecule modulators of Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator.

German drug discovery firm Evotec has entered into a collaboration with Apeiron Biologics to identify small molecule modulators of Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator (DREAM), a novel target involved in perception of various pain mechanisms. Further projects will be evaluated to expand this co-operation in the near future.

By binding on the respective DNA-promoter region, DREAM inhibits the synthesis of the endogenous opioid precursor prodynorphin and therefore may represent a new target for the treatment of pain. As shown by DREAM knock-out mice, loss of DREAM broadly reduces acute chemical, heat, or mechanical to internal, inflammatory, and chronic neuropathic pain.

Evotec will initially apply its expertise in cellular assay development with opportunities for the project to move into hit identification and beyond.

Werner Lanthaler, chief executive at Evotec, said: ‘Apeiron is certainly one of the most exciting young biotech companies in Europe.