Evogene Appoints Dr. Nissan to Enhance AI-Driven Drug Discovery Leadership

Evogene Strengthens Leadership in AI-Driven Drug Discovery with New Appointment

Evogene Ltd., a pioneer in computational chemistry focused on generative design for pharmaceuticals and agriculture, announces the appointment of Dr. Olga Nissan as Vice President of Business Development, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Nissan brings over 15 years of extensive experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, marked by her success in harmonizing scientific innovation with business strategies. Her previous roles include CEO and Co-Founder of Protica Bio, Technology Manager at EcoPhage, and Senior Scientist at BiomX, as well as Quality Control Domain Manager at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Dr. Nissan's academic credentials include a PhD and postdoctoral research in biochemistry and proteomics at the Weizmann Institute of Science, underlining her strong scientific foundation.

In her new role at Evogene, Dr. Nissan aims to leverage her expertise to enhance the company’s small-molecule discovery capabilities, particularly through its ChemPass AI technology. This technology is at the forefront of Evogene's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into drug discovery, which holds the potential to revolutionize therapeutic solutions. Dr. Nissan's vision aligns with Evogene's strategic direction, emphasizing the need for effective business development that can translate innovative science into viable market solutions. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to expand its collaborations with industry leaders, thereby strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven pharmaceuticals.

Ofer Haviv, Evogene's President and CEO, expresses confidence in Dr. Nissan's ability to drive the company’s growth as it navigates the complexities of the biotech sector. He underscores that her comprehensive experience in AI-enabled drug discovery will be instrumental in advancing Evogene's mission to deliver impactful solutions for patients and stakeholders. This strategic move is indicative of Evogene's continued commitment to enhancing its business development efforts and fostering innovative discovery programs in computational chemistry, thereby positioning itself as a leader in the field.

In addition to Dr. Nissan's appointment, Evogene is poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities in both the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. The company’s focus on generative design and AI integration underscores its dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional drug discovery processes. With Dr. Nissan on board, Evogene is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the biotech industry and deliver transformative solutions that meet the needs of a global market.

Overall, Evogene’s strategic appointment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to harness its scientific expertise and expand its reach in the competitive landscape of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.