Evotec Advances Dermatology Pipeline With First Preclinical Candidate From Almirall Collaboration

Hamburg, Germany, May 4, 2026 — Evotec SE has announced a major step forward in its medical dermatology partnership with Almirall S.A., confirming the nomination of the first small molecule preclinical development candidate from their multi-target drug discovery alliance.

The candidate is being developed for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases, an area where many patients still need safer, more effective, and more targeted treatment options. According to Evotec’s announcement via Access Newswire, the joint team moved from early discovery leads to a preclinical development candidate in about two years, a timeline the company described as faster than typical industry standards.

Why This Development Matters

This nomination is important because a preclinical development candidate is a key milestone before a potential therapy can move toward human clinical testing. At this stage, the selected molecule has shown enough promise in discovery research to enter more advanced safety, quality, and regulatory preparation work.

For patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases, this progress may support the future development of new oral or small molecule therapies. These conditions can affect daily comfort, sleep, confidence, school, work, and quality of life. While existing treatments help many people, there is still a strong need for options that work better, act faster, and fit more easily into long-term care.

Evotec and Almirall’s Dermatology Collaboration

Evotec and Almirall began their collaboration in May 2022. The partnership combines Evotec’s integrated drug discovery and preclinical development platforms with Almirall’s strong focus on medical dermatology. The alliance targets severe skin diseases, especially immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.

Under the agreement, Evotec received an undisclosed upfront payment and may receive research funding, milestone payments of up to €230 million per program, and high single-digit royalties on future net sales, if products from the collaboration reach the market.

Role of AI and Integrated R&D

Evotec said the program used its AI and machine-learning-enhanced discovery workflow. This included medicinal chemistry, DMPK, in vitro biology, and development expertise working together in one connected process.

The goal of this model is to improve decision-making, reduce delays, and help scientists choose the most promising molecules earlier. By linking discovery and development teams closely, Evotec and Almirall were able to run faster testing cycles and make more consistent scientific decisions.

Moving Toward IND Submission

Evotec will continue supporting the program through its INDiGO platform, which is designed to help drug candidates move from discovery into clinical readiness. This includes the studies and documentation needed before an Investigational New Drug application, or IND, can be submitted to regulators.

An IND submission is required before a potential new medicine can begin clinical trials in humans in certain markets. While this candidate is not yet approved and still has many steps ahead, the nomination shows that the collaboration has reached a meaningful development stage.

Leadership Comment

Dr. Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, said the achievement reflects the strength of Evotec’s AI-enabled discovery and preclinical development platforms. He also highlighted the value of the close partnership with Almirall and said Evotec looks forward to advancing the program toward the clinic.

Broader Industry Significance

The announcement also reflects a wider trend in pharmaceutical research: companies are increasingly using data-driven platforms, artificial intelligence, and integrated research teams to speed up early-stage drug development. In dermatology, this is especially important because immune-related skin diseases can be complex, long-lasting, and difficult to treat with a one-size-fits-all approach.

For Evotec, the milestone strengthens its position as a drug discovery and development partner for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. For Almirall, it supports its strategy of building a pipeline focused on medical dermatology and unmet patient needs.

About Evotec

Evotec is a life science company focused on drug discovery and development. The company works across small molecules, biologics, cell therapies, and other treatment approaches. Its platforms include AI-driven research tools, molecular patient databases, PanOmics, and iPSC-based disease modeling.

Evotec works with major pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic groups, and healthcare partners. The company has more than 4,500 employees across Europe and the United States, according to its announcement.

About Almirall

Almirall is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. Its work focuses on developing therapies for people living with skin diseases, including inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions that require better treatment options.

Conclusion

Evotec’s nomination of the first preclinical development candidate from its dermatology alliance with Almirall marks a notable achievement for both companies. The progress shows how AI-supported research, integrated development platforms, and strong therapeutic expertise can help accelerate early drug discovery.

Although the program remains in the preclinical stage, it represents a promising step toward future clinical development for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases. The next major focus will be advancing the candidate through IND-enabling work and preparing it for possible clinical evaluation.

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