Centogene N.V announced the discovery of a new small molecule together with Evotec SE. The new molecule has the potential to treat patients with type 2 and type 3 Gaucher disease, otherwise known as neuronopathic Gaucher disease. The discovery has been the result of the collaborative work under the existing drug discovery partnership which has been in place since 2020.

The Companies have now extended this collaboration for another year, granting Evotec an R&D License for the continued development activities. The amended agreement also provides Evotec with an exclusive option until March 31, 2025, to determine whether to enter a license agreement acquiring CENTOGENE?s share of the IP generated throughout the collaboration. In exchange for such a global exclusive license, CENTOGENE would receive an up-front fee, milestone payments, as well as additional royalties.

Further financial details were not disclosed. The collaboration has achieved significant success in preclinical studies. In vivo pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies in animal models have demonstrated high brain penetration and metabolic stability of the drug candidate.

This new molecule is now positioned to enter the next stage of R&D, which Evotec is currently pursuing.