Agenus Announces Appointment of Dr. Jennifer Buell to Its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Agenus, a leader in developing novel immunological agents for cancer treatment, has appointed Dr. Jennifer Buell to its Board of Directors, effective June 11, 2024. Dr. Buell, who is also the President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, brings over 27 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience to the board. Her previous roles include pivotal positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Harvard Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Buell aims to guide Agenus’ promising BOT/BAL program towards a Biologics License Application this year while exploring new therapeutic avenues. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to drive the company's next phase of growth.

Positive

• Appointment of Dr. Jennifer Buell to board, enhancing leadership.
• Dr. Buell’s extensive 27-year biopharmaceutical experience.
• Strategic guidance aimed at advancing the BOT/BAL program towards Biologics License Application.
• Continued leadership at MiNK Therapeutics ensures integrated strategic insights.
• Previous transformative leadership roles at Agenus, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Harvard Clinical Research Institute.

Negative

• Potential for divided attention as Dr. Buell manages roles at both Agenus and MiNK Therapeutics.
• No immediate financial impact or new clinical data reported with the appointment.

Strategic leadership to drive next phase of growth for the company

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Agenus Inc. (“Agenus”) (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in developing novel immunological agents to treat various cancers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Buell to its Board of Directors, on June 11, 2024, effective immediately. Dr. Buell will maintain her active and ongoing role as the President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, in addition to her responsibilities as Chairman of the Executive Council at Agenus. Her continued leadership at MiNK ensures a seamless integration of strategic insights across both organizations, enhancing our collaborative efforts to innovate and deliver breakthrough cancer therapies.

"Dr. Buell’s appointment is a testament to her unparalleled leadership and her profound impact on Agenus," said Dr. Garo Armen, Chairman and CEO of Agenus. "Her strategic vision and operational expertise have been instrumental in transforming Agenus from a single-product company into a global, fully integrated biotech leader. We are confident that her guidance will be equally influential in her expanded role as a board member.”

Dr. Buell brings to the board over 27 years of extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, encompassing leadership roles in research and development, clinical operations, and commercial strategy. Her expertise in advancing discovery candidates through to clinical development and commercialization will be invaluable to Agenus as the company continues to expand its innovative pipeline.

During her tenure as President and COO at Agenus, Dr. Buell spearheaded initiatives that transformed the company into a global, fully integrated biotech leader with a robust immuno-oncology portfolio. Her leadership was pivotal in expanding strategic partnerships, enhancing operational capabilities, and establishing Agenus as an industry visionary.

Before her time at Agenus, Dr. Buell held key positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Harvard Clinical Research Institute (Baim), where she was deeply involved in the development and operational strategies of numerous clinical programs, both industry and government sponsored. Dr. Buell earned her Ph.D. in Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Biochemistry and an M.S. in Biostatistics from Tufts University, further grounding her scientific expertise in her leadership roles.

“I am honored to join the Agenus Board of Directors,” said Dr. Buell. “This is a crucial time for the company as we aim to transform the landscape of cancer treatment. My top priority will be strategically guiding our promising BOT/BAL program toward a Biologics License Application this year while exploring new avenues to deliver breakthrough therapies for patients. I am deeply committed to propelling Agenus into its next phase of innovation and growth, ensuring we remain at the forefront of developing therapies that offer real hope to patients."

About Agenus

Agenus is a leading immuno-oncology company targeting cancer and infectious diseases with a comprehensive pipeline of immunological agents. The company’s mission is to expand patient populations benefiting from cancer immunotherapy through combination approaches, using a broad repertoire of antibody therapeutics, adoptive cell therapies (through MiNK Therapeutics) and adjuvants (through SaponiQx). Agenus is headquartered in Lexington, MA. For more information, visit www.agenusbio.com or @agenus_bio. Information that may be important to investors will be routinely posted on our website and social media channels.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding a its botensilimab and balstilimab programs, expected regulatory timelines and filings, and any other statements containing the words "may," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "hopes," "intends," "plans," "forecasts," "estimates," "will," “establish,” “potential,” “superiority,” “best in class,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the factors described under the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2023, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Agenus cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Agenus undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements, other than to the extent required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240617904888/en/

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Source: Agenus Inc.

FAQ

What recent appointment did Agenus announce?

Agenus announced the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Buell to its Board of Directors on June 11, 2024.

Who is Dr. Jennifer Buell?

Dr. Jennifer Buell is the President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics and has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Agenus.

What experience does Dr. Jennifer Buell bring to Agenus?

Dr. Buell brings over 27 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience to Agenus.

What is Dr. Jennifer Buell’s role at MiNK Therapeutics?

Dr. Jennifer Buell serves as the President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics.

What program is Dr. Buell focusing on at Agenus?

Dr. Buell aims to guide Agenus’ BOT/BAL program towards a Biologics License Application this year.

How might Dr. Buell’s appointment impact Agenus?

Dr. Buell’s appointment is expected to provide strategic guidance and integrate insights from MiNK Therapeutics, driving Agenus' next phase of growth.