Evogene and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Co. Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement for BMC128, a Microbiome-Based Therapeutic for Renal and Lung Cancer

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].