FDA Clears IND for iNKT Cells to Treat COVID-19 Patients

Agenus announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) clearance of AgenTus' IND application for an allogeneic iNKT therapy. AgenT-797 was submitted by AgenTus Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Agenus. A clinical trial for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 is expected to commence shortly. Agenus previously reported the FDA clearance of the IND for the use of allogeneic iNKTs for patients with cancer.

"We are excited to evaluate this novel allogeneic iNKT cell therapy platform as a potential therapy for patients in moderate to severe respiratory distress from COVID-19," said Koen van Besien, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of the Stem Cell Transplant program at Weill Cornell Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital.  "The preclinical data reveal the potential of iNKTs to eliminate virus, dampen harmful inflammation, and promote protection from reinfection. These are all particularly important features as we attempt to overcome COVID-19."