(RTTNews) - Evotec SE (EVO) has announced the start of a first-in-human Phase 1 trial for JST-018, a cocktail of investigational monoclonal antibodies designed to target orthopoxviruses.

The program, developed by its biologics subsidiary Just - Evotec Biologics under the U.S. Department of War's Accelerated Antibodies Program, marks a significant step in advancing countermeasures against high-priority biological threats such as smallpox and mpox.

The antibodies were advanced from sequence selection through preclinical development, regulatory submission, and cGMP manufacturing at Evotec's J.POD facility in Redmond, Washington, using its continuous bioprocessing platform. This integrated approach demonstrates a scalable model for rapid development and manufacturing of biodefense therapies.

JST-018 is being developed as a prophylactic therapy intended to protect warfighters at elevated risk of exposure to biological threats.

Linda Zuckerman, PhD, EVP Global Head of Just - Evotec Biologics, highlighted the collaboration with the Department of War, noting that the program exemplifies the company's ability to move seamlessly from antibody optimization to clinical evaluation under urgent government needs.

Orthopoxviruses remain a critical focus for biodefense and public health preparedness, and Evotec's continuous manufacturing platform offers a cost-effective and rapid pathway for delivering these countermeasures.

This milestone fulfills the scope of Evotec's 2023 contract with the U.S. Department of War, reinforcing the company's role in advancing antibody-based therapies for global health security.

EVO has traded between $1.80 and $4.27 over the past year. The stock closed Tuesday's trading at $1.82, down 2.15%. In pre-market trading the stock is at $1.83, up 0.55%. During yesterday's trading session the stock touched a new 52-week low at $1.80.