Evogene and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Announce a Collaboration to Advance AI-Driven Cancer Therapeutics [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationAiming to introduce a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer due to increased expression of cellular pathwaysREHOVOT, Israel, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), a pioneering computational chemistry company specializing in the generative design of small molecules for the pha ...

Core Insights - Evogene, Systasy, and LMU University Hospital Munich have announced a collaboration to develop novel therapies for neutrophil-derived inflammatory diseases, supported by a pan-European EUREKA grant [1][2][3] - The collaboration aims to address the unmet need for safe and effective treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other hyper-inflammatory diseases driven by dysregulated neutrophil activity [1][2] - The project leverages the expertise of each partner, with Evogene leading small-molecule drug discovery using its ChemPass AI™ generative engine, while Systasy will enhance its PathwayProfiler™ platform for profiling stem cell-derived neutrophils [1][2][3] Company Contributions - Evogene will utilize its proprietary ChemPass AI™ to design, optimize, and prioritize novel inhibitors, integrating computational design with high-throughput experimental validation in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute of Science [1][2] - Systasy will expand its PathwayProfiler™ platform to generate high-dimensional functional data for validating Evogene's AI-designed inhibitors, enhancing the drug discovery process [1][2][3] - LMU University Hospital, led by Prof. Christoph Klein, will apply advanced stem cell biology and precision diagnostics to validate lead compounds and support biomarker discovery [1][2][3] Industry Context - The collaboration addresses a significant global health issue, as hundreds of millions are affected by inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases where neutrophils play a key pathogenic role [1][2] - Current therapies do not directly target neutrophils, highlighting the need for innovative treatment approaches that can modulate excessive neutrophil-driven inflammation [1][2] - The integration of AI-driven discovery with clinical insights aims to advance therapeutic concepts with clear clinical and commercial potential, reflecting a trend towards personalized medicine in immunology [1][2][3]

Core Viewpoint - Evogene Ltd. has announced a warrant inducement transaction that will generate approximately $3.4 million in gross proceeds through the immediate exercise of existing warrants, aimed at enhancing its working capital and supporting general corporate purposes [1]. Group 1: Warrant Inducement Transaction - The company entered into a warrant inducement agreement with an existing institutional investor for the immediate exercise of Series A and Series B ordinary warrants, allowing the purchase of up to 1,692,308 ordinary shares each [1]. - The existing warrants will be exercised at a reduced price of $1.00 per share, resulting in total gross cash proceeds of approximately $3.4 million before expenses [1]. - In exchange for the immediate exercise of the existing warrants, the investor will receive new Series A-1 and Series B-1 unregistered warrants, each allowing the purchase of up to 2,538,462 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $1.25 per share [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds and Financial Advisory - The net proceeds from the transaction are intended for working capital and other general corporate purposes [1]. - A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole financial advisor for this transaction [1]. Group 3: Regulatory and Compliance Information - The new warrants were offered in a private placement under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, and the company plans to file a registration statement with the SEC for the resale of ordinary shares upon exercise of the new warrants [1].

Core Insights - Evogene Ltd. has appointed Prof. John J. Irwin and Prof. Dan T. Major to its Scientific Advisory Board, enhancing its scientific leadership and supporting the advancement of ChemPass AI™ for drug and ag-chemical discovery [1][2][3] Company Overview - Evogene Ltd. is a leading computational chemistry company focused on AI-driven discovery and design of novel small molecules for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries [7] - The company's proprietary generative AI engine, ChemPass AI™, is designed to generate highly potent, novel molecular candidates optimized across multiple critical parameters, improving success rates and reducing development time and costs [8][9] Scientific Advisory Board Contributions - Prof. John J. Irwin is recognized for his work in ligand discovery and virtual screening, having created widely used resources such as ZINC and DOCK, with over 35,000 citations [4] - Prof. Dan T. Major specializes in multiscale molecular modeling, integrating quantum mechanics and AI to accelerate drug discovery and ag-chemical development, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications [5] - Both professors will provide strategic guidance to ensure the accuracy, robustness, scalability, and applicability of ChemPass AI™ in real-world discovery programs [3][6] Strategic Goals - The appointments align with Evogene's Real-World Innovation approach, integrating deep scientific understanding with practical requirements in pharmaceutical and ag-chemical R&D [3] - The company aims to translate computational innovation into tangible value for the drug and ag-chemical industries through strategic partnerships and internal product development [9]

Core Insights - Evogene Ltd. and Lishan Biotech have entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for BMC128, a microbiome-based therapeutic aimed at enhancing anti-tumor immune activity [1] - BMC128 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, showing promising early results in renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, with a good safety profile and early signs of efficacy [1] - Lishan Biotech will take over global clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of BMC128, while Biomica will receive milestone payments and royalties [1] Company Overview - Evogene Ltd. specializes in computational chemistry and the generative design of small molecules for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications, utilizing its proprietary ChemPass AI™ technology [2] - Lishan Biotech focuses on innovative therapies for complex chronic diseases, employing unique technologies to address unmet medical needs in inflammation, oncology, and neurological disorders [4]

Core Insights - Evogene Ltd. and Lishan Biotech have entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for BMC128, a microbiome-based therapeutic aimed at enhancing anti-tumor immune activity, which is currently completing Phase 1 clinical studies with promising early results [1][3]. Company Overview - Evogene Ltd. specializes in computational chemistry and generative design of small molecules for pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, utilizing its proprietary ChemPass AI™ technology to improve success rates and reduce development time and costs [5][6]. - Lishan Biotech focuses on innovative therapies for complex chronic diseases, employing unique technologies to address gut microbial colonization and developing microbiome-based therapies for oncology and other conditions [7]. Clinical Development - BMC128 is a live biopharmaceutical consortium composed of four human gut bacterial strains that enhance responses to immunotherapy, currently being studied in renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, showing an excellent safety profile and early signs of efficacy [2][3]. - Under the licensing agreement, Lishan Biotech will manage global clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of BMC128, with Biomica eligible for milestone payments and royalties [3]. Future Plans - Lishan Biotech intends to advance BMC128 into Phase 2 clinical studies and pursue regulatory filings in both China and the United States for commercialization [3]. - The collaboration aims to leverage Lishan Biotech's development capabilities and Evogene's innovation in microbiome science to create value in difficult-to-treat cancers [4].

Core Viewpoint - EverGen Infrastructure Corp. has entered into a 20-year Biomethane Purchase Agreement with FortisBC Energy Inc. for the purchase of Renewable Natural Gas produced at its Fraser Valley Biogas facility, marking a significant step in supporting renewable energy initiatives and reducing greenhouse gas emissions [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The Biomethane Purchase Agreement (BPA) allows FortisBC to purchase Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from Fraser Valley Biogas Ltd. (FVB) for integration into its natural gas system, which will help reduce reliance on conventional natural gas and lower greenhouse gas emissions [2][3]. - This agreement provides EverGen with a long-term, contracted revenue stream and supports FortisBC's commitment to a renewable and lower carbon gas supply [2][3]. Group 2: Company Background - Fraser Valley Biogas, a wholly owned subsidiary of EverGen, is recognized as the original RNG project in Western Canada and the first to inject RNG into FortisBC's network, utilizing anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading processes [4]. - The facility not only produces RNG but also generates organic liquid fertilizer from agricultural waste, contributing to sustainable farming practices in the region [4]. Group 3: Company Mission and Growth - EverGen Infrastructure Corp. is positioned as Canada's Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, focusing on combating climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions [5]. - The company is an independent renewable energy producer with plans for continued growth across North America, emphasizing the development and operation of renewable energy projects [5].

Core Viewpoint - EverGen Infrastructure Corp. has successfully closed a $13.0 million asset-level debt facility with Farm Credit Canada, which will support its subsidiary Fraser Valley Biogas Ltd. [1] Financial Developments - The company has repaid the majority of its corporate debt facility, indicating a strengthening financial position [1] - The closing of the second tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement is also highlighted, suggesting ongoing capital-raising efforts [1]

Core Viewpoint - EverGen Infrastructure Corp. is advancing its debt refinancing and private placement initiatives, which are expected to strengthen its financial position and support growth in 2026 [2][3]. Debt Refinancing Activities - EverGen has executed a letter of intent for a $13 million asset-level debt facility aimed at repaying a majority of its corporate debt, with terms aligned to its current operations [2]. - The company has entered into a Credit Agreement with Farm Credit Canada for a $13 million term loan and a $250,000 operating line of credit, with closing expected soon [3]. Private Placement Update - The second tranche of a non-brokered private placement is being extended for up to 11,666,667 common shares, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $7 million at a price of $0.60 per share [4]. - The first tranche closed on May 21, 2025, raising $5 million through the issuance of 8,333,333 common shares [4]. - The second tranche is expected to close soon, with proceeds primarily allocated for debt repayment and working capital [5]. Company Overview - EverGen Infrastructure Corp. is a Canadian renewable natural gas infrastructure platform focused on combating climate change and promoting sustainability [6]. - The company operates a portfolio of renewable energy projects and is expected to continue its growth across North America [6].

Core Insights - The partnership between Evogene Ltd. and Unravel Biosciences aims to address the unmet need for remyelination therapies in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating conditions by leveraging advanced generative chemistry design and predictive platforms [1][2][3] Company Overview - Evogene Ltd. is a pioneering computational chemistry company specializing in the generative design of small molecules for pharmaceutical and agricultural industries [7] - Unravel Biosciences is a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on advancing drugs for complex diseases through its Predictable Medicine platform [10] Collaboration Details - The collaboration seeks to design and validate brain-penetrant inhibitors targeting a novel demyelination target identified by Unravel's platform, aiming to create the first therapeutic capable of restoring myelin and improving neurological function [3][4] - Evogene's ChemPass AI will be utilized to advance novel drug targets for remyelination, optimizing drug candidates based on insights from Unravel's experimental systems [5][6] Scientific Approach - The partnership combines Evogene's state-of-the-art computational capabilities with Unravel's AI-powered predictive biology platform, utilizing RNA-based simulations and patient data to generate novel therapeutic insights [4][6] - The collaboration emphasizes a function-first discovery approach to gain biological insights from genetically defined demyelinating disorders, facilitating the translation of these insights into therapeutic applications [3][5] Market Need - Degenerative diseases, particularly demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, affect hundreds of millions globally, with MS impacting approximately 3 million people [2] - Current therapies primarily focus on slowing disease progression rather than repairing existing damage, highlighting a significant unmet need for effective treatments that can reverse myelin loss [2]