Botensilimab — Investigational Agent
Monoclonal Antibody · Phase 2 · Agenus Inc.
Mechanism of Action
Fc-enhanced (Fc-optimized) human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting CTLA-4. Beyond conventional CTLA-4 blockade, its engineered Fc region binds Fc-gamma receptors on myeloid cells with higher affinity, promoting antigen-presenting cell activation, priming of T cells in lymph nodes, and depletion of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Tregs) via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This design is intended to extend activity to 'cold', poorly immunogenic tumors (e.g., microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer) that have historically failed to respond to standard checkpoint inhibitors.
Investigational Indications
- Microsatellite-stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (in combination with balstilimab)
- Checkpoint inhibitor-refractory advanced melanoma
- Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- Other advanced solid tumors