Agenus Reports Deep, Durable Responses with Botensilimab + Balstilimab in Highly Refractory Ovarian Cancer, Published in JITC

Core Insights - Agenus Inc. announced promising clinical results for botensilimab plus balstilimab (BOT+BAL) in treating platinum-refractory ovarian cancer, indicating significant clinical activity in a challenging patient population [1][2][3] Clinical Results - The BOT+BAL combination achieved a 23% overall response rate and a 31% clinical benefit rate, with a median duration of response of 9.7 months and a median overall survival of 14.8 months, with 75% of patients alive at 12 months [3][4] - The study involved 44 women with treatment-refractory ovarian cancer, with nearly 75% being platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory, demonstrating activity across various ovarian cancer subtypes [8] Unmet Medical Need - Ovarian cancer results in approximately 13,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and 200,000 globally, with poor outcomes for patients with platinum-resistant tumors, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies [5] Safety Profile - The BOT+BAL combination exhibited a manageable safety profile, with common treatment-related adverse events including diarrhea/colitis (43%; 16% grade 3), fatigue, and nausea (36%), all effectively managed [8] Future Development - BOT+BAL is advancing through global clinical development for multiple tumor types, with access available through regulatory-authorized early access mechanisms in certain countries [9]