Evotec starts Phase 1 antibody trial

• Evotec initiated a first-in-human Phase 1 trial of JST-018, an antibody cocktail targeting orthopoxviruses.
• The program advanced through antibody development, manufacturing, and regulatory steps under a U.S. Department of War contract.
• Evotec’s Just – Evotec Biologics contracts under the Accelerated Antibodies Program have combined potential value of up to $123.9 million.

Evotec (NASDAQ:EVO) initiated a first-in-human Phase 1 trial of JST-018, an investigational monoclonal antibody cocktail targeting orthopoxviruses developed by its Just – Evotec Biologics subsidiary.

The program was developed under the U.S. Department of War’s Accelerated Antibodies Program and progressed from antibody selection through preclinical studies, regulatory submission, and clinical manufacturing.

Just – Evotec Biologics produced clinical material for JST-018 at its J.POD Redmond, Washington continuous bioprocessing facility, completing the development steps included in a 2023 U.S. Department of War contract.

The company said JST-018 is being developed as a prophylactic therapy for warfighters at increased risk from biological threats, while its broader antibody programs include a prior plague antibody award.

Evotec develops drug discovery and development technologies, including biologics manufacturing through Just – Evotec Biologics, which provides antibody development and production services.