22 May 2025, Israel: Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN, TASE: EVGN), a leading computational biology company aiming to revolutionize the development of life-science-based products, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Mr. Ofer Haviv, Evogene’s President and CEO, stated: “As part of our ongoing strategy to build a more capital-efficient and value-driven business model, Evogene is focusing on two key priorities: unlocking the full potential of our ChemPass-AI tech-engine in the pharmaceutical sector, and generating cash flow and strategic value from our subsidiaries. These efforts are designed to accelerate near-term monetization opportunities while reinforcing our long-term growth trajectory.
We’ve made significant progress in advancing ChemPass-AI tech-engine, our proprietary AI platform for small molecule drug discovery. Over the past quarter, we sharpened its value proposition for the pharma and biotech industries, with a clear focus on addressing a core challenge—designing highly potent, novel compounds that meet complex multi-parameter requirements. An example of our unique ChemPass-AI offering is the foundation model developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, at the core of our lead-optimization activity. Trained on an unparalleled dataset of approximately 38 billion molecules, this model expands our ability to discover structurally unique and clinically relevant compounds, significantly improving the likelihood of success in preclinical and clinical stages. This positions ChemPass-AI as a differentiated and commercially attractive solution for pharma partners seeking next-generation discovery capabilities.
In parallel, we are taking concrete steps to generate value from our subsidiaries. In April, we announced the acquisition of the majority of Lavie Bio’s operations by ICL. This transaction is expected to generate value for Evogene in two ways: directly, through the sale of MicroBoost AI for Ag and indirectly, through dividends. We can also envision long-term upside for Evogene from certain existing collaboration agreements which remain in Lavie Bio and are not part of the transaction. We continue to explore similar strategic opportunities across our subsidiary portfolio, with the goal of unlocking shareholder value and supporting our broader mission through disciplined execution.
We are confident that these strategic initiatives will drive sustainable growth and position Evogene for long-term success in the evolving life sciences landscape,” Mr. Haviv concluded.
Subsidiaries Updates:
Lavie Bio Ltd. – a leading ag-biologicals company that develops microbiome-based, novel bio-stimulant and bio-pesticide products, utilizing Evogene’s MicroBoost AI tech-engine.
April 21, 2025 – announced the acquisition of most of the activity of Lavie Bio by ICL, for $15.25 million in value. In addition, ICL will acquire MicroBoost AI for Ag, for approximately $3.5 million. Lavie Bio will redeem the prior SAFE investment, made by an ICL affiliate.
Acquisition completion is expected during Q2 2025, following completion of customary and regulatory closing conditions.
Casterra Ag Ltd. – focuses on developing integrated solutions for large-scale castor bean farming, utilizing GeneRator AI tech-engine.
Delivery of approximately 250 tons of castor seeds to a partner in Africa — surpassing the approximately 215 tons delivered in entire 2024.
Strengthening the sales team in Brazil and initial execution of a new marketing and sales strategy.
Castor farming proof of concept trials for grain (not seed) to be sold to castor crushing factories, in Kenya and Brazil, with local partners. Trials are underway in all locations, with initial results expected in Q3 2025.
AgPlenus Ltd. – specializes in developing novel and sustainable crop protection products, utilizing Evogene’s ChemPass AI tech-engine.
February 2025 – discovery of a new mode of action for fungicides against Septoria in wheat.
Advancement in the discovery phase with the identification of promising candidate compounds targeting the new MoA.
Biomica Ltd. – a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics, utilizing Evogene’s MicroBoost AI tech-engine.
BMC128 – Phase I clinical study is progressing. New data shows early signs of monotherapy effectiveness, through immune activation within 14 days.
Obesity and Longevity – initial computational analyses indicate that microbiome-based solutions can be effectively designed and developed. Early-stage discussions taking place to evaluate potential partnerships.
Additional funding is required for Phase II of the clinical study. An expense reduction plan has been established, to be completed by Q3 2025. Expense reduction is already reflected in Biomica’s financial results of Q1 2025.
Financial Highlights:
Cash Position: As of March 31, 2025, Evogene held consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits of approximately $9.8 million, compared to approximately $15.3 million as of December 31, 2024. This cash balance does not reflect approximately $2.0 million due from Casterra’s outstanding customers, the majority of which were received in the second quarter of 2025. Excluding Lavie Bio and Biomica, Evogene and its other subsidiaries used approximately $3.0 million in cash during the first quarter of 2025.
Revenue: Revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were approximately $2.4 million, a decrease from approximately $4.2 million in the same period of the previous year. This decline was primarily due to revenues recognized in 2024 from Lavie Bio’s license agreement with Corteva and AgPlenus’s license agreement with Bayer. In 2025, revenues were mainly driven by Casterra’s increased seed sales.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2025 were approximately $3.2 million, a significant decrease from approximately $4.8 million in the same period of the previous year. The decrease in expenses in 2025 was mainly due to lower research and development expenses in Biomica and Lavie Bio compared to the same period the previous year, as well as the closure of Canonic’s operations during the first half of 2024.
Sales and Marketing Expenses: Sales and marketing expenses decreased to approximately $645 thousand in the first quarter of 2025 compared to approximately $992 thousand in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in Lavie Bio’s sales and marketing activities this year.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to approximately $1.7 million in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced expenses related to Lavie Bio and Evogene, as well as the closure of Canonic’s operations during the first half of 2024.
Other Expenses (Income): Other income of approximately $191 thousand was recorded in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the accounting treatment related to a sub-lease agreement. The decision to cease Canonic’s operations in the first half of 2024 resulted in other expenses of approximately $0.5 million, primarily due to the impairment of fixed assets recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
Operating Loss: Operating loss for the first quarter of 2025 remained stable at approximately $4.1 million, similar to the operating loss reported in the first quarter of 2024.
Financing Income / Expenses: Net financing income for the first quarter of 2025 was approximately $1.1 million, compared to net financing income of approximately $241 thousand in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the accounting treatment of pre-funded warrants and warrants issued in Evogene’s August 2024 fundraising.
Net Loss: The net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was approximately $3.0 million, compared to approximately $3.8 million in the same period last year. The $0.8 million decrease in net loss was primarily due to reduced operating expenses and increased net financing income, partially offset by decreased revenues, as noted above.
📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand! Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign? Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!
📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights.Click here to explore!
