Just-Evotec Biologics

Just-Evotec Biologics operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a mission to expand global access to biotherapeutics. The company was founded in 2014 as Just Biotherapeutics, with Dr. James (Jim) Thomas as a co-founder and CEO. Dr. Thomas brought extensive experience from leadership roles at Amgen, Immunex, and Genentech, where he contributed to the advancement of major therapeutics like Enbrel and Repatha. His career has centered on developing technologies for large-scale manufacturing of recombinant proteins. Just Biotherapeutics initially received backing from investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Merck & Co., Lilly Asia Ventures, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aligning with its goal to reduce the cost of protein therapeutics.

In a significant milestone, Hamburg-based Evotec SE acquired Just Biotherapeutics in July 2019 for a total consideration of up to $90 million. The acquisition integrated Just.Bio's biologics capabilities with Evotec's small molecule expertise, creating a comprehensive R&D and manufacturing partner for the pharmaceutical industry. Following the acquisition, Dr. Thomas joined Evotec's leadership as Global Head of Biotherapeutics and President of U.S. Operations. Now operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evotec, the company serves a diverse client base, from biotech startups to large pharmaceutical companies and government organizations, offering solutions for discovery, development, and manufacturing of biologics.

The core of Just-Evotec Biologics' offering is its proprietary J.DESIGN technology platform. This integrated, data-driven system utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence across the entire development lifecycle, from molecular design to manufacturing. The platform aims to accelerate development timelines, de-risk the process, and substantially lower production costs. A key component is its continuous manufacturing process, housed in modular, automated facilities known as J.PODs. These facilities are designed to be more flexible, cost-effective, and faster to build than traditional manufacturing plants. They enable highly intensified, continuous production of biologics at various scales, from clinical to commercial, within a single facility. The company operates J.POD facilities in Redmond, Washington, and Toulouse, France, providing a global manufacturing network. Business models are flexible, ranging from standard fee-for-service contracts to strategic partnerships and technology licensing, allowing partners to integrate the J.POD system into their own operations.

Keywords: biologics manufacturing, contract development and manufacturing organization, CDMO, continuous manufacturing, bioprocessing, antibody development, protein therapeutics, J.DESIGN platform, J.POD facility, machine learning in drug development, biopharmaceutical services, cell line development, process intensification, monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars, drug substance manufacturing, biologics discovery, cGMP manufacturing, pharmaceutical outsourcing, biotherapeutics access