On April 21, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology innovation, reported that four abstracts highlighting botensilimab (BOT), alone or in combination with balstilimab (BAL), have been accepted for presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place May 29–June 2, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
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The accepted abstracts reflect continued progress of Agenus’ botensilimab and balstilimab immunotherapy program across colorectal cancer, melanoma, and translational research. They include the first presentation of Phase 2 clinical data for BOT with or without BAL in advanced cutaneous melanoma refractory or resistant to anti–PD-(L)1 therapy, with or without prior CTLA-4 inhibition, as well as a translational biomarker abstract evaluating an artificial intelligence foundation model in solid tumors and two trials-in-progress posters in colorectal cancer.
"Our presence at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) reflects strong momentum across the botensilimab and balstilimab program. From the first Phase 2 melanoma presentation to important colorectal cancer trial updates and innovative translational biomarker research, these presentations underscore our focus on delivering new immunotherapy options to patients who need them most," said Garo H. Armen, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Agenus.
Presentation Details:
Abstract Title: Botensilimab (BOT) ± balstilimab (BAL) in patients (pts) with advanced cutaneous melanoma (cMEL) refractory/resistant (R/R) to anti–PD-(L)1 ± CTLA-4: A phase 2 trial
Abstract No.: 9543
Presenter: Michael Atkins MD; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center
Session Title: Poster Session – Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Location: Hall A – Posters and Exhibits
Poster Board: 259
Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
Abstract Title: Artificial intelligence (AI) foundation model as a predictor of efficacy of next-generation checkpoint inhibition with botensilimab (BOT) + balstilimab (BAL) in solid tumors using pretreatment H&E images
Abstract No.: 2535
Presenter: Ryan Dalton, Noetik
Session Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy
Location: Hall A – Posters and Exhibits
Poster Board: 325
Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 1:30 PM–4:30 PM CDT
Abstract Title: The CO.33/BATTMAN trial: A phase 3 randomized study of botensilimab + balstilimab versus best supportive care in chemo refractory unresectable colorectal adenocarcinoma that is not dMMR/MSI-H
Abstract No.: TPS3676
Presenter: Jonathan Loree MD; BC Cancer; Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen’s University
Session Title: Poster Session – Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal
Location: Hall A – Posters and Exhibits
Poster Board: 441a
Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
Abstract Title: Phase 2 study of adjuvant botensilimab in combination with balstilimab in patients with microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer and persistent circulating tumor DNA following surgery and chemotherapy
Abstract No.: TPS3689
Presenter: Neil Segal, MD; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Session Title: Poster Session – Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal
Location: Hall A – Posters and Exhibits
Poster Board: 447b
Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
(Press release, Agenus, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664628])