Bristol Myers Squibb Enters $1.56 Billion Agreement with Agenus for Global Rights to AGEN1777, a First-in-Class Fc-Enhanced Bispecific Anti-TIGIT Antibody

May 18, 2021 / BIOON / -- Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Agenus recently jointly announced that the two parties have entered into a definitive agreement. Under the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb has obtained an exclusive global license to Agenus' proprietary bispecific antibody program, AGEN1777, an Fc-enhanced antibody designed to target major inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells and NK cells to enhance anti-tumor activity. Specifically,AGEN1777 targets and blocks TIGIT and an undisclosed target.。

TIGIT is an inhibitory receptor primarily expressed on T cells and NK cells, which regulates innate and adaptive immune responses by suppressing the activity of T cells and NK cells. Additionally, TIGIT enhances the immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In tumors, TIGIT plays a critical role in inducing T cell immune tolerance and tumor immune evasion.

Currently, AGEN1777 is still in the preclinical development stage. In preclinical studies,This approach has demonstrated tremendous potential in tumor models refractory to anti-PD-1 or anti-TIGIT monospecific antibody therapy.

TIGIT: A Key Regulator of the Immune Synapse (Click the image to view a larger version)

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will be solely responsible for the global development and any subsequent commercialization of AGEN1777 and related products. Agenus will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.36 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. This also makesThe total value of this agreement amounts to $1.56 billion.. In addition, Agenus will also receive double-digit tiered royalties based on net product sales.

Agenus will retain the option to conduct clinical trials pursuant to the development plan, conduct combination studies with certain other pipeline assets of Agenus, and co-promote AGEN1777 in the U.S. market following commercialization. The agreement remains subject to approval under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Agenus expects to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second quarter of 2021 to initiate clinical trials for AGEN1777. Bristol-Myers Squibb plans to advance the research and development of AGEN1777 in immuno-oncology (I-O) for high-priority oncology indications, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Dr. Debbie Law, Senior Vice President and Head of the Tumor Microenvironment Research Center at Bristol-Myers Squibb, stated: "The differentiated mechanism of action of AGEN1777 offers the potential for potent anti-tumor activity. This agreement will advance our clinical TIGIT strategy, aimed at serving more cancer patients with unmet medical needs. We look forward to collaborating with Agenus to develop this important therapy as we continue to combat I-O resistance." (Bioon.com)

Source: Agenus and Bristol Myers Squibb Announce Exclusive Global License for Agenus’ Anti-TIGIT Bispecific Antibody Program