Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO) announced the nomination of a small molecule preclinical development candidate from its drug discovery collaboration with Almirall S.A., according to a company statement. The program targets immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases.

The joint team progressed from initial leads to preclinical development candidate within two years, which the company stated compares favorably to typical industry timelines for similar small molecule programs. The collaboration combines Evotec's AI and machine learning-enhanced discovery platforms with Almirall's dermatology expertise.

Evotec will continue supporting the program toward investigational new drug submission through its INDiGO platform. The Hamburg-based company's Chief Scientific Officer Cord Dohrmann said the timeline validates the company's data-driven drug discovery approach.

The collaboration agreement, established in May 2022, includes research payments and potential milestone payments up to €230 million per program, plus royalties on net sales in the high single-digit percentage range. The partnership focuses on developing therapeutics for severe skin diseases, including immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.

Almirall is a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in medical dermatology. Evotec operates discovery and development facilities across Europe and the United States, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and academic institutions.