Agenus Announces Preclinical Data on BMS-986442 (AGEN1777) at AACR 2024
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Insights
The emergence of BMS-986442 (AGEN1777) as a potential new player in the field of oncology immunotherapy is noteworthy. The drug's mechanism, which involves targeting both TIGIT and CD96 immune checkpoint receptors, could potentially offer a more comprehensive approach to enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In clinical practice, the efficacy of immunotherapies is paramount and the ability of BMS-986442 to act as both monotherapy and in combination with PD-(L)1 inhibitors could address some of the limitations faced by current treatments. If this preclinical efficacy translates into clinical benefits, it could significantly impact patient outcomes, particularly for those with advanced solid tumors resistant to existing therapies.
From a research and development perspective, the preclinical success of Agenus Inc.'s BMS-986442 is indicative of the company's robust Fc-engineering platform and its potential to yield innovative treatments. The data suggesting superior immune activation is promising, but it is crucial to remain cautious until clinical trial results are available. The transition from preclinical to clinical efficacy is not guaranteed and the investment in further development carries inherent risks. Moreover, the competitive landscape of cancer immunotherapy is rapidly evolving and the entry of BMS-986442 could disrupt market dynamics if it offers a clinically significant advantage over existing anti-TIGIT therapies.
Analyzing the market implications, Agenus Inc.'s announcement could potentially influence investor sentiment, given the high stakes in the cancer immunotherapy market. The preclinical data of BMS-986442 may signal a competitive edge that could translate into future market share, should the drug proceed to successful clinical trials and eventual FDA approval. However, it's important to recognize that the drug is still in early stages of development and the path to market is long and uncertain. Investors will likely monitor upcoming clinical trial designs and results closely to evaluate the drug's safety, efficacy and market potential. A breakthrough in this space could have a significant impact on Agenus Inc.'s valuation and stock performance.
Preclinical findings demonstrate superior pharmacological activity, offering a differentiated mechanism-of-action to enhance anti-tumor immunity in advanced solid cancers
In non-clinical assays, BMS-986442 demonstrated superior immune activation both as monotherapy and in combination with PD-(L)1 blockade compared to conventional TIGIT antibodies. This novel, Fc-enhanced, bispecific antibody is differentiated from conventional TIGIT monoclonal antibodies by optimally targeting two critical immune checkpoint receptors in the same pathway, TIGIT and CD96. BMS-986442 (AGEN1777) leverages Agenus’ proprietary Fc-engineering platform to harness novel mechanisms of action that extend beyond the capabilities of conventional anti-TIGIT therapy. This innovative strategy could represent a promising approach to overcome the limitations of current anti-TIGIT therapies.
“Immune checkpoint blockade has emerged as a powerful strategy in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. However, conventional TIGIT antibodies have faced limitations with monotherapy activity in clinical settings,” said Dhan Chand, Ph.D., Vice President of Research. “BMS-986442 has the potential to address these challenges through Fc modification and the targeting of complementary pathways.”
Presentation Details:
Abstract Title: BMS-986442 (AGEN1777), a novel TIGIT/CD96 bispecific antibody, demonstrates superior monotherapy and combination activity versus conventional anti-TIGIT antibodies in preclinical models
Abstract Number: 3915
Presenting Author: Dhan Chand
Session: Immune Targets and Therapies
Presentation Session Date and Time: Monday April 8, 2024, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
Data presented at the conference will be available to view in the publications section of the Agenus website (https://agenusbio.com/publications) following the AACR Meeting.
About BMS-986442 (AGEN1777)
BMS-986442 (AGEN1777) is being developed in partnership between Agenus and Bristol Myers Squibb. The TIGIT and CD96 bispecific antibody is currently being investigated for the treatment of multiple solid tumors in clinical studies in combination with nivolumab and/or chemotherapy. TIGIT is expressed on T cells and NK cells, sharing ligands with the CD96 receptor, and generating co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals. Co-inhibition of TIGIT and CD96 is intended to restore effector cell function by blocking the inhibitory immune checkpoint signaling pathway.
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
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 partnered BMS-986442 program, expected timelines, 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K 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.
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Source: Agenus Inc.
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