Agenus to Present Phase II Data on Triple Therapy for PD-1 Refractory Gastroesophageal Cancer at AACR 2026
Event summary
- Agenus will present Phase II trial data at AACR 2026 on April 20, evaluating botensilimab (BOT), balstilimab (BAL), and agenT-797 in PD-1 refractory gastroesophageal cancer.
- The study is investigator-initiated and conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
- agenT-797 is an allogeneic iNKT cell therapy developed by MiNK Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Agenus.
- Over 1,200 patients have been treated with BOT and/or BAL in prior trials.
The big picture
Agenus is testing a novel triple therapy approach in a challenging cancer indication where checkpoint inhibition resistance is prevalent. The study represents an integration of Agenus' antibody platforms with its cell therapy subsidiary MiNK Therapeutics, highlighting the company's strategy of combination immuno-oncology approaches. Success in this setting could expand treatment options for patients with limited alternatives.
What we're watching
- Clinical Efficacy
- How the combination therapy performs in PD-1 refractory patients, a population with significant unmet medical need.
- Regulatory Pathway
- Whether positive data could accelerate regulatory discussions for BOT/BAL combination therapies.
- Competitive Positioning
- The pace at which Agenus can differentiate its combination approach in the crowded immuno-oncology space.
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