While the data presented are promising, botensilimab, balstilimab, and agenT-797 are currently investigational agents and have not been approved for therapeutic use in any jurisdiction. InvestingPro data reveals the company is quickly burning through cash, with short-term obligations exceeding liquid assets. For deeper insights into Agenus's financial health and growth prospects, including 5 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive valuation metrics, explore the full Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro. InvestingPro data reveals the company is quickly burning through cash, with short-term obligations exceeding liquid assets. For deeper insights into Agenus's financial health and growth prospects, including 5 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive valuation metrics, explore the full Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro. The data focus on botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL), highlighting their potential in treating microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC tumors, which typically do not respond well to existing immunotherapies.
The studies include results from two independent neoadjuvant trials enrolling over 80 patients, showing the possibility of chemo-free and non-operative approaches in CRC. The UNICORN trial achieved a 93% pathological complete response (pCR) rate and 100% pathological major response (pMR) in certain tumors, suggesting a non-operative, organ-sparing treatment could be viable. The NEST trial reported a 100% rate of patients remaining ctDNA negative with no clinical recurrences observed after follow-up, indicating durable responses.
In addition, preliminary results from a Phase 1/2 trial combining BOT/BAL with FOLFOX-Bevacizumab in MSS mCRC showed a 71% overall response rate (ORR), even in patients previously treated with FOLFOX. This suggests the combination's compatibility with standard therapies.
The global Phase 2 study of BOT/BAL in refractory MSS mCRC reinforced the combination's activity and safety, with a 19% ORR and 55% disease control rate (DCR) observed, outperforming standard-of-care treatments. The study's findings support a superior benefit-risk profile for BOT/BAL and have led to its selection for Phase 3 trials.
While the data presented are promising, botensilimab, balstilimab, and agenT-797 are currently investigational agents and have not been approved for therapeutic use in any jurisdiction. InvestingPro data reveals the company is quickly burning through cash, with short-term obligations exceeding liquid assets. For deeper insights into Agenus's financial health and growth prospects, including 5 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive valuation metrics, explore the full Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro. The company is exploring strategic transactions such as partnerships, licensing, or joint ventures to expedite global access to these therapies.
While the data presented are promising, botensilimab, balstilimab, and agenT-797 are currently investigational agents and have not been approved for therapeutic use in any jurisdiction. This information is based on a press release statement from Agenus Inc (NASDAQ:AGEN).
In other recent news, Agenus Inc. has undergone significant developments. The biotechnology company has secured a $22 million mortgage for its biologics facilities, an effort aimed at reducing its cash burn to around $100 million by FY 2025. Additionally, Agenus is actively pursuing asset monetization and strategic transactions, having raised an additional $7.1 million post-quarter.
The company is making strides in its BOT/BAL cancer treatment therapy, which shows promise for microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Agenus has completed a meeting with the FDA regarding this treatment and is planning to present more mature Phase 2 data in 2025. The initiation of the Phase 3 trial, expected in 2025, is contingent on securing financing through these means.
H.C. Wainwright has maintained a neutral stance on Agenus' stock, revising the share target to $7 from $8, reflecting concerns over increased expenses as the company progresses with its clinical programs. These are the recent developments in Agenus's journey to potentially transform the landscape of cancer treatment.
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