Evotec to provide drug discovery services as part of newly-formed Fibrocor Therapeutics

Evotec AG and MaRS Innovation have launched Fibrocor Therapeutics LP – a new company which will focus on developing first-in-class therapeutics targeting fibrotic diseases.

The Toronto-based company was launched with CDN $2.8m (approx. $2.1m) in financing, which includes cash from MaRS Innovation. Co-founders include academic and clinician scientists from various institutions in Toronto.

As part of its involvement in Fibrocor, Evotec will provide all drug discovery activities. It will also receive an equity stake in the company.

According to the company, a lead program has been identified and the company anticipates a lead candidate to be nominated in 2018.

"Through Fibrocor we have created a transformational partnership with Evotec to translate Toronto's world-class fibrosis expertise into therapies for patients worldwide," Dr Rafi Hofstein, President and CEO of MaRS Innovation said in a release. "We are building on our recent success of Triphase in the area of oncology and applying it to a new therapeutic cluster in the area of fibrosis."