Yonsei University, Zymedi, and Evotec Awarded US$ 4.5 Million Grant for Novel Lung Disease Therapies

Yonsei University, Zymedi, and Evotec Awarded US$ 4.5 Million Grant for Novel Lung Disease Therapies

(IN BRIEF) Evotec, Yonsei University, and Zymedi have been awarded a US$ 4.5 million grant from the Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT) to develop first-in-class biologic therapies for lung diseases, specifically asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The project will focus on creating anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic antibodies targeting tRNA synthetases, a new therapeutic target for treating diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The collaboration leverages the expertise of Yonsei University, Zymedi, and Evotec to drive forward antibody development and preclinical research aimed at improving treatment options for these serious lung diseases.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 23-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Evotec SE, in partnership with Yonsei University and the Korean biotech firm Zymedi, has secured a US$ 4.5 million grant from the Korea Institute of Advanced Technology (KIAT), part of the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. This funding will support a collaborative effort to develop first-in-class biologic therapies targeting lung diseases, specifically asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The project focuses on the preclinical development of innovative anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic antibodies aimed at tRNA synthetases, a promising new target class for treating diseases with high unmet medical needs.

Dr. Thomas Hanke, EVP & Head of Academic Partnerships at Evotec, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to work alongside Prof. Sunghoon Kim, Zymedi, and Yonsei University to advance this promising approach for asthma and IPF. The collaboration, supported by the KIAT grant, underscores the power of international partnerships to accelerate the development of novel therapies. Yonsei University’s Dr. Kim is a recognized leader in the field of tRNA synthetases, and Zymedi is at the forefront of translating these insights into therapeutic innovations. At Evotec, we will contribute our expertise in antibody development and preclinical R&D to drive this project forward. We are grateful to the Korean government for this opportunity.”

Prof. Sunghoon Kim, Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Research at Yonsei University, also expressed his excitement: “The untapped biology of tRNA synthetases offers a novel pathway for drug development. I’m excited to join forces with Evotec to explore therapeutic antibodies that target the disease-causing activities of these enzymes.”

The collaboration aims to create groundbreaking antibody therapies targeting a novel mechanism of action in tRNA synthetase biology, with the goal of improving treatment options for IPF and non-type 2 asthma—diseases that urgently need new therapeutic approaches to improve patient care and standard treatment options.

About Yonsei University
Yonsei University, founded in 1885 in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious private institution renowned for academic excellence. Ranking #56 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the university serves approximately 38,725 students across 14 colleges and 15 graduate schools, offering diverse programs in humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine. Located primarily in Sinchon, Seoul, Yonsei’s mission focuses on educating global leaders committed to humanity’s progress. The university distinguishes itself through extensive research capabilities, 153 research centers, and a strong international perspective. With a rich academic heritage, Yonsei has produced notable alumni including a Nobel laureate and an Academy Award winner. Embodying values of “truth and freedom”, the institution continues to be a leading educational platform preparing students to become innovative global professionals. For additional information please go to www.yonsei.ac.kr.

About Zymedi
Zymedi is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering novel biology of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) as innovative therapeutic solutions. While traditionally known for their role in protein synthesis, ARSs also play crucial roles in the body’s homeostasis—an overlooked function with profound implications for human diseases. Since 2019, Zymedi has focused on harnessing the untapped potential of ARSs, developing first-in-class therapies to address critical unmet medical needs. The company’s proprietary drug discovery platform drives its innovation, enabling a robust pipeline of therapies grounded in deep ARS biology. A current key focus disease area includes immune and fibrotic diseases and cancer. Zymedi is currently collaborating with US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for clinical studies of ZMA001, a therapeutic antibody for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company is located in Incheon, Korea and venture-backed. For additional information, please visit www.zymedi.com and follow us on Instagram @zymedi_official and LinkedIn.

About Evotec SE
Evotec is a life science company with a unique business model that delivers on its mission to discover and develop highly effective therapeutics and make them available to the patients. The Company’s multimodality platform comprises a unique combination of innovative technologies, data and science for the discovery, development, and production of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products. Evotec provides high value pipeline co-creating partnerships and solutions to all Top 20 Pharma and over 800 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, as well as other healthcare stakeholders. Evotec has strategic activities in a broad range of currently underserved therapeutic areas, including e.g. neurology, oncology, as well as metabolic and infectious diseases. Within these areas of expertise, Evotec aims to create the world-leading co-owned pipeline for innovative therapeutics and has to-date established a portfolio of more than 200 proprietary and co-owned R&D projects from early discovery to clinical development. Evotec operates globally with more than 5,000 highly qualified people. The Company’s sites in Europe and the USA offer highly synergistic technologies and services and operate as complementary clusters of excellence. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on X/Twitter @Evotec and LinkedIn.

Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning future events, including the proposed offering and listing of Evotec’s securities. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “should,” “target,” “would” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include comments regarding Evotec’s expectations for revenues, Group EBITDA and unpartnered R&D expenses. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by Evotec at the time these statements were made. No assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Evotec. Evotec expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Evotec’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

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SOURCE: Evotec