Agenus, Ludwig Cancer Research deal
The partners selected three antibody checkpoint modulators to advance into preclinical development for cancer, including two agonists of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related protein (GITR; TNFRSF18) and a CTLA-4 (CD152) antagonist. The partners also have programs to discover and develop antibodies that are agonists of TNF receptor superfamily member 4 ( TNFRSF4; OX40; CD134) and antagonists of lymphocyte-activation gene 3 ( LAG3; CD223), hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 ( HAVCR2; TIM3) and programmed cell death 1 ( PDCD1; PD-1; CD279). The partners plan to advance the antibodies as single agents and in combinations, including potential combinations with Agenus' anticancer vaccine. The partners expect to move into clinical testing in 2015. ...