Evogene Ltd and Shanghai Lishan Biopharmaceuticals Co. have entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for BMC128, a microbiome-based therapeutic developed by Biomica Ltd, Evogene’s subsidiary.

BMC128 is composed of four human gut bacterial strains selected for their ability to enhance anti-tumor immune activity and improve responses to immunotherapy. The therapeutic is currently completing a Phase 1 clinical study in renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile and early signs of efficacy, including stable disease in patients whose tumors had previously progressed.

Under the agreement, Lishan Biotech will be responsible for global clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of BMC128. Biomica will be eligible for development milestone payments and royalties on future commercial sales. Lishan Biotech plans to advance BMC128 into a Phase 2 clinical study and pursue regulatory filings in both China and the United States.

Ofer Haviv, CEO of Evogene and Biomica, said: “We are pleased to partner with Lishan Biotech as BMC128 enters its next phase of development. Their clinical capabilities and commitment to microbiome-based therapeutics support progression of this program through further evaluation.”

Weijie Chen, chairman of Lishan Biotech, added: “This collaboration ensures that BMC128 continues toward its next clinical milestones. We are encouraged by the effects observed in patients and look forward to advancing the program for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.”

Jing Bao, director (board member) of Biomica, commented: “This partnership combines clinical development expertise in China with microbiome research in Israel. We expect the program to advance patient care in renal and lung cancer.”

Early Phase 1 results show that BMC128 is well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment. In addition, a substantial proportion of patients demonstrated stable disease, suggesting that microbiome-based therapies may offer a complementary mechanism to conventional immunotherapy. The agreement allows Lishan Biotech to apply its clinical and regulatory experience to support global development, including trial design, patient recruitment, and regulatory submissions in key markets.

Microbiome-based therapeutics are an emerging area in oncology, offering the potential to modulate immune responses and enhance treatment efficacy. BMC128 represents one of the first live biopharmaceutical consortia targeting immune activation in cancer patients, and its development may provide insights for broader applications in renal and lung cancers.