Zynext Ventures USA LLC, the venture capital arm of India-based Zydus Lifesciences, announced on Tuesday its investment in Agenus Inc, a US-based immuno-oncology company developing next-generation therapeutics for high-unmet need cancers.

Agenus' lead programme, comprising Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL), is a next-generation immunotherapy platform designed to strengthen and sustain the immune system's response against tumour cells. Currently in advanced clinical trials, the company says that BOT/BAL have demonstrated significant clinical activity across nine cancer types in more than 1,200 patients, including both late-stage and neoadjuvant settings.

In addition to capital, Zynext Ventures says that it will provide expertise in data analytics and access to a broad global network of biotech, regulatory and clinical partners. Agenus intends to broaden the application of its BOT/BAL programme into earlier lines of treatment and address a wider spectrum of cancers with significant unmet medical needs.

Dr Garo Armen, Agenus chairman and CEO, said: "We are delighted to partner with Zynext Ventures in a truly synergistic relationship. BOT/BAL's remarkable results across nine distinct cancers, in both late-stage and neoadjuvant settings, inspire us to push the boundaries of what is possible in oncology. Zydus' commercial reach and expertise make them an ideal partner to accelerate the delivery of this potentially transformative therapy."