German life science company Evotec has announced a collaboration with X-Chem to accelerate early-stage drug discovery-leveraging technology.

The partnership aims to combine the DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology of X-Chem with Evotec's screening platforms.

This approach will aid in enhancing the efficiency and precision of identifying potential drug candidates.

X-Chem's DEL technology allows for the simultaneous screening of billions of DNA-tagged compounds, to streamline the hit-finding process in drug discovery.

X-Chem CEO  Karen Lackey stated: “Partnerships to access best-in-class platforms are the way forward to address the complexity in drug discovery.

“This collaboration highlights our commitment to partner with leading research organisations, like Evotec, to make DEL screening services more accessible.” 

The collaboration will provide Evotec with access to X-Chem's DEL technology, including standard experimental DEL solution DELflex and HITMiner.

A machine learning solution, HITMiner utilises experimental DEL data to offer ideal drug intervention starting points for new biological targets.

Evotec chief operating officer Craig Johnstone stated: “We are pleased to collaborate with X-Chem and to leverage their leading DEL platform and capabilities.

“X-Chem’s expertise in DEL, combined with their advanced data-mining solutions, provides us with access to an additional tool to tackle innovative and difficult biological targets.” 

The partnership comes as Evotec is undergoing an accelerated transformation programme to address a challenging market environment.

Despite plans to cut 400 jobs, the company's CEO Christian Wojczewski announced cost-saving measures aimed at generating savings of at least €40m ($44m) in 2024/25. Evotec is also optimistic about the future, with revenue projections for the financial year 2024 (FY 2024) showing a slight increase from €790m to €820m, compared to €781m in FY 2023.