Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program Announces Botensilimab for Clinical Studies

Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in the development of innovative immunological treatments for cancer, has announced that the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for clinical studies involving botensilimab (BOT). This human Fc enhanced anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody is being developed jointly with Agenus as an anti-cancer agent. CTEP is also open to supplying botensilimab for nonclinical studies, inviting both clinical and nonclinical researchers to apply. Approved proposals will be sent to Agenus for drug supply commitment.

Agenus is dedicated to advancing both clinical and nonclinical research on botensilimab, providing the drug and its mouse surrogate to investigators. This initiative aims to deeply explore the drug's potential and uncover new clinical applications.

Botensilimab is designed to enhance the immune system's innate and adaptive responses against tumors. Its unique design targets "cold" tumors, which typically show poor responses to standard treatments or are resistant to conventional PD-1/CTLA-4 therapies. By priming and activating T cells, reducing intratumoral regulatory T cells, stimulating myeloid cells, and inducing long-term memory responses, botensilimab works across various tumor types.

To date, around 900 patients have participated in phase 1 and phase 2 trials involving botensilimab. The drug, either alone or in combination with Agenus’ investigational PD-1 antibody balstilimab, has demonstrated clinical responses in nine types of metastatic, late-stage cancers. Specific trial identifiers include NCT03860272, NCT05608044, NCT05630183, and NCT05529316.

Agenus, based in Lexington, MA, is a prominent immuno-oncology firm focusing on cancer and infectious diseases with a diverse range of immunological agents. The company aims to broaden the scope of patients benefiting from cancer immunotherapy through combination treatments. Their extensive pipeline includes antibody therapeutics, adoptive cell therapies via MiNK Therapeutics, and adjuvants through SaponiQx. Agenus regularly updates important investor information on their website and social media channels.