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Evogene and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Seal USD Global Microbiome Cancer Therapeutic Licensing Deal

Evogene Ltd. and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Co. have [announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/evogene-and-shanghai-lishan-biopharmaceuticals-co-announce-exclusive-licensing-agreement-for-bmc128-a-microbiome-based-therapeutic-for-renal-and-lung-cancer-302678749.html) for BMC128, a first-in-class microbiome-based therapeutic targeting re

Edited by Robert McTiernan··2 min read

Evogene and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Ink Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Microbiome Therapeutic BMC128

Evogene Ltd. and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Co. have announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for BMC128, a first-in-class microbiome-based therapeutic targeting renal and lung cancers. The licensing agreements involve Biomica, Evogene's subsidiary, transferring global development rights to Lishan Biotech for the investigational drug currently in Phase 1 clinical studies.

The deal terms include Lishan Biotech obtaining exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize BMC128, with Biomica eligible to receive development milestone payments and future royalties. While specific financial details were not disclosed, the agreement represents a strategic partnership bridging Israeli microbiome innovation with Chinese clinical development capabilities.

Deal Context: Microbiome Therapeutic Platform

BMC128 represents an emerging approach in oncology, leveraging the gut microbiome to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Developed using Biomica's computational predictive biology platform, the therapeutic aims to modulate microbial composition to improve immune system activation against cancer cells.

The drug targets renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, potentially addressing limitations in current immunotherapy approaches. By manipulating the microbiome's composition, BMC128 seeks to convert non-responders to immunotherapies or enhance existing treatment responses.

Clinical Development Strategy

Currently completing Phase 1 clinical studies, BMC128 demonstrates early promise in modulating immune responses through microbiome intervention. The licensing agreement positions Lishan Biotech to advance the therapeutic's development, potentially bringing a novel microbiome-based treatment to cancer patients.

Competitive Landscape

In the emerging microbiome immunotherapy space, BMC128 competes with several innovative approaches:

The AllSci BriefSystematic R&D and deal news. Daily.
  • Vedanta Biosciences' VE303: A defined bacterial consortium in Phase 2 trials
  • Evelo Biosciences' EVELO-101: An oral bacterial strain modulating immune responses
  • Ribex Pharmaceuticals' RBX7455: An engineered bacterial consortium in preclinical stages

BMC128 differentiates itself through its specific targeting of renal and lung cancers and its unique bacterial composition designed to enhance immune system activation.

Strategic Implications

For Evogene and Biomica, the licensing agreement represents a significant milestone in monetizing their microbiome therapeutic platform. The deal validates their computational approach to drug discovery and provides a potential path to global commercialization through a strategic partnership with Lishan Biotech.

For Lishan Biotech, acquiring global rights to BMC128 expands their oncology portfolio with an innovative, first-in-class therapeutic approach that could potentially transform cancer treatment paradigms.

The partnership underscores the growing interest in microbiome-based therapeutics and highlights the potential for computational biology platforms to generate novel medical interventions.

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