Evogene shares surge 22.04% premarket after licensing microbiome-based cancer therapy BMC128 to Shanghai Lishan Biotech.

Evogene surged 22.04% in premarket trading following the announcement of an exclusive global licensing agreement for BMC128, a microbiome-based therapeutic for renal and lung cancer. The deal with Shanghai Lishan Biotech grants the partner full clinical, manufacturing, and commercialization rights, with Biomica (Evogene’s subsidiary) eligible for milestone payments and royalties. BMC128, currently completing Phase 1 trials, demonstrated a strong safety profile and early efficacy, including stabilizing disease progression in previously treated patients. The collaboration leverages Lishan Biotech’s clinical development expertise and Evogene’s innovation in microbiome science, positioning the therapy for Phase 2 trials and regulatory filings in China and the U.S. Executives highlighted the potential for value creation in hard-to-treat cancers, aligning with the stock’s sharp premarket rally.