Agenus Receives Fast Track Designation for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Agenus announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Agenus Fast Track designation for investigation of balstilimab [PD-1] in combination with zalifrelimab [CTLA-4] for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic cervical cancer. This designation was based on comprehensive data that support the potential for balstilimab and zalifrelimab to address a significant unmet medical need. Agenus expects to file 2 BLAs this year for accelerated approval of the combination of balstilimab and zalifrelimab and balstilimab monotherapy in metastatic cervical cancer.

"We are pleased that balstilimab and zalifrelimab have been granted Fast Track designation by FDA in recognition of the high unmet medical need in second line cervical cancer. The Fast Track designation confers important benefits, including the potential eligibility for a Priority Review," said Dr. Jennifer Buell, President and COO, Agenus. "We are excited about the prospect of making these novel agents available to women who suffer from metastatic cervical cancer. We look forward to continuing to work with FDA as we advance new treatment options for patients with cancer."

Agenus has reported updated data from a pre-planned interim analysis revealing robust and durable activity of balstilimab and zalifrelimab in patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic cervical cancer. The data demonstrated 26.5% objective response rates (ORR) (4 CRs, 5 PRs, 8 SD) which are durable (median not yet reached) in an all-comer, non-biomarker selected population of patients with refractory cervical cancer who have failed prior platinum chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab.

Fast Track designation is granted by the FDA for products that are intended for the treatment of serious or life-threatening disease or conditions, which demonstrate the potential to address an unmet medical need. The designation offers the opportunity for frequent interactions with the FDA to discuss the drug's development plan and ensure collection of appropriate data needed to support drug approval, as well as eligibility for rolling submission of a Biologic Licensing Application (BLA).

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