Evotec SE has initiated construction of its J.POD(R) 2 EU biologics manufacturing facility at its Campus Curie in Toulouse, France. Evotec's second innovative cGMP biomanufacturing facility will employ Just - Evotec Biologics' technology that utilizes small, automated, highly intensified and continuous bioprocessing operations housed inside autonomous cleanrooms.

J.POD(R) 2 EU will be Evotec's first commercial biomanufacturing facility in Europe and is anticipated to deliver much needed capacity for biotherapeutic development and manufacturing. The construction of Evotec's first J.POD(R) 1 US in Redmond, Washington is proceeding on schedule and will be fully operational in 2H21.

With its wholly owned subsidiary, Just - Evotec Biologics, Evotec is positioned to help build the capacity for the fight against COVID-19 and future pandemic threats. Evotec is supporting multiple projects against COVID-19, including partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense.

In addition to J.POD(R) technology, Evotec is building data-driven scientific capabilities designed to meet future viral threats, which include rapid discovery, optimization and development of novel therapeutics.

J.POD(R) 2 EU will be supported with up to €50 million from the French government. The total investment Evotec plans to undertake is estimated at €150 million.

Dr. Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec, said, "The global availability and accessibility of highly effective biotherapeutics has been Just - Evotec Biologics' mission right from the start. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has underlined the need for flexible and nearshore biomanufacturing capacities. We are very grateful that through the support of the French government as well as all local institutions, we can now continue to deliver on this mission with the construction of Europe's first J.POD(R) facility, this is critical for society."

Evotec's Toulouse site, the Campus Curie, was recently expanded through the acquisition of "Biopark by Sanofi." Construction of the J.POD(R) 2 EU facility is expected to begin 2H21, and is expected to be fully operational in 2023.