On February 24, 2025 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology, reported data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) IO Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California (Press release, Agenus, FEB 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234650492]). The oral presentation highlights translational data from the ongoing Phase 2 study evaluating botensilimab (BOT, multifunctional Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4) and balstilimab (BAL, anti-PD-1) in combination with MiNK Therapeutics’ agenT-797, an allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, in patients with refractory (2L+) gastric cancer (NCT06251973).
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"These latest data demonstrate the remarkable potential of combining BOT/BAL with a novel iNKT cell therapy to broaden and intensify immune responses against resistant gastric tumors," said Dr. Dhan Chand, Vice President of Research at Agenus. "By driving strong IFNγ production, deep T-cell infiltration, and memory T-cell activation—even in PD-1–refractory patients—the addition of agenT-797 to BOT/BAL could redefine what’s possible in late-line gastric cancer. We’re particularly encouraged by how these therapies work in concert with standard-of-care chemotherapy to transform immunologically ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ immune inflamed tumors, potentially offering a new therapeutic paradigm for patients facing this challenging disease."
Highlights
Broad Immune Activation: The addition of MiNK’s allogeneic iNKT therapy, agenT-797, to BOT/BAL drove robust immune activation, including elevated interferon-gamma (IFNγ) levels, indicating potent systemic engagement and overcoming immunosuppressive pathways in PD-1–refractory gastric tumors.
Enhanced T cell Infiltration and Memory T-Cell Expansion: A marked increase in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), together with heightened peripheral memory T-cell activation, underscores the potential for long-lasting anti-tumor immunity when combining BOT/BAL with agenT-797 (allo-iNKTs).
Optimized Sequencing with Chemotherapy: Early administration of agenT-797 alongside BOT/BAL, before standard chemotherapy significantly amplifies immune responses, potentially reducing tumor recurrence through optimal T-cell priming, activation and mobilization.
Presentation Details:
Abstract Title: Biomarker analysis from Phase 2 study of AgenT-797 (invariant natural killer T-cells), botensilimab (a Fc-enhanced CTLA-4 Inhibitor) with balstilimab (anti-PD-1) in PD-1 refractory gastroesophageal cancer (GEC)
Presenting Author: Dr. Samuel Cytryn, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
Oral Session: Proffered Papers, Session 2; 1:39-1:45 p.m. PST
Poster Session: Poster Session, A; 1:45-4:45 p.m. PST
Date: Monday, February 24th
The presentation will be available on the publications page of the Agenus website at View Source following the start of the conference session.