Evogene, announced that its subsidiary Biomica has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Shanghai-based Lishan Biopharmaceuticals for BMC128, a first-in-class microbiome-based therapeutic candidate.

BMC128, designated LS-LBP-002 by Lishan Biotech, is designed to enhance anti-tumour immune responses and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The live biopharmaceutical product comprises a consortium of four human gut bacterial strains with defined functional properties aimed at stimulating anti-tumour activity.

The candidate is currently completing a Phase I clinical trial in patients with renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. According to the company, early data indicate a favourable safety and tolerability profile, along with encouraging signs of efficacy. Several patients whose disease had previously progressed achieved stable disease during treatment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lishan Biotech will take over global clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation responsibilities for BMC128. Biomica will be eligible to receive payments tied to development progress, as well as royalties on future sales.

Dr. Weijie Chen, Chairman of Lishan Biotech, said the collaboration will help accelerate the programme’s next clinical milestones, highlighting the promising clinical responses observed in lung and renal cancer patients.

Lishan Biotech plans to advance BMC128 into Phase II clinical trials and pursue regulatory approvals in both China and the United States.

Ofer Haviv, CEO of Evogene and Biomica, stated that Lishan Biotech’s development expertise and focus on microbiome-based therapeutics position BMC128 for continued advancement in difficult-to-treat cancers. As a major shareholder in Biomica, Evogene expects to benefit from the programme’s future commercial success.

Dr. Jing Bao, Board Member of Biomica, added that the partnership combines China’s clinical development capabilities with Israel’s microbiome innovation, aiming to deliver impactful therapies for cancer patients globally.

Evogene operates through its proprietary ChemPass AI platform, which enables the generative design of novel small molecules for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Lishan Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on microbiome-based therapies using its proprietary Swarming technology platform to address complex chronic diseases, including oncology and inflammatory disorders.