Agenus is advancing a new chapter in immuno-oncology with a strategic investment of up to $340 million to accelerate the development of neoadjuvant botensilimab plus balstilimab (BOT+BAL) for patients with high-risk microsatellite-stable (MSS) colon cancer. The financing will support the company’s registrational Phase 3 ROBBIN trial, which aims to address one of the most challenging areas in colorectal cancer care – transforming treatment options for MSS tumors that have historically remained resistant to immune checkpoint therapies.
By prioritizing treatment before surgery, Agenus is exploring the potential of BOT+BAL to harness the immune system when it may have the greatest opportunity to generate deep and durable responses. Early findings from the NEST and UNICORN Phase 2 studies have provided the foundation for this next-stage investigation, with ROBBIN designed to determine whether these responses can translate into improved long-term outcomes.
Garo H. Armen, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agenus, said:
“Since Agenus was founded 32 years ago, our mission has been to harness the immune system to improve outcomes and, where possible, cure cancer. Our plan to prioritize neoadjuvant BOT+BAL in MSS colon cancer reflects both the strength of the emerging clinical evidence and the opportunity to bring this important combination regimen to patients where it may have the greatest impact. With ROBBIN, we are advancing a randomized global trial designed to confirm the rapid and deep activity observed across the NEST and UNICORN trials.”
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