Agenus Inc. announced that the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to conduct clinical studies using botensilimab (BOT), a human Fc enhanced next-generation anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, which is being developed by CTEP as an anticancer agent in collaboration with Agenus Inc. CTEP will also consider requests to supply botensilimab for nonclinical studies. All clinical and nonclinical researchers interested in working with the agent are welcome to apply. All proposals approved by CTEP will be sent to the industry collaborator for a commitment to supply drug for the study.

Botensilimab is a human Fc enhanced CTLA-4 blocking antibody designed to boost both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Its novel design leverages mechanisms of action to extend immunotherapy benefits to "cold" tumors which generally respond poorly to standard of care or are refractory to conventional PD-1/CTLA-4 therapies and investigational therapies. Botensilimab augments immune responses across a wide range of tumor types by priming and activating T cells, downregulating intratumoral regulatory T cells, activating myeloid cells and inducing long-term memory responses.