Evotec and Bayer announce new kidney disease study
Esme Needham | December 11, 2025 | News story | Research and Development | Bayer, Evotec, Nephrology
Evotec and Bayer have announced the initiation of a phase 2 clinical study in kidney disease, stemming from their previous collaborative research in this area.
The phase 2a ASSESS study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of BAY 3401016, a monoclonal antibody targeting the protein Semaphorin-3A. BAY 3401016 is currently being developed as a potential treatment for Alport syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disease.
Alport syndrome is characterised by progressive loss of kidney function, as well as hearing loss and abnormalities of the eyes. The condition can lead to end-stage kidney failure, highlighting the need for new treatment options.
“Alport syndrome primarily damages the kidney, often starting at childhood and worsening through life,” Dr Cord Dohrmann, chief scientific officer at Evotec, commented. “This debilitating disease significantly impacts patient’s quality of life through both the symptoms and disease management, especially in later stages of kidney disease. New therapeutic options that enable better quality of life are urgently needed for individuals and families affected by this disease. The initiation of this study represents an important and hopeful step forward.”
Evotec and Bayer entered into a strategic collaboration in August 2016; the ASSESS study is the result of that collaboration. Under the agreement, Evotec will receive a milestone payment upon first patient dosing, which is projected to occur in early 2026. Evotec will also receive further payments following potential clinical development and commercialisation.
Evotec is a biotechnology company whose therapeutic areas include small molecules, biologics and cell therapies. Bayer is a biotechnology company with twin focuses on healthcare and nutrition.
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