Agenus and GSK tout positive Phase 3 data for RSV vaccine

Immuno-oncology firm Agenus (Nasdaq:AGEN) and its partner GSK (NYSE:GSK) have announced positive headline results from a pre-specified efficacy interim analysis of the AReSVi 006 Phase 3 trial of an experimental respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.

RSV infects most children before the age of 2. Some 75,000 to 125,000 children are hospitalized as a result of the virus annually, according to data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

But RSV can also pose a risk to older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, as the CDC noted.

The Agenus and GSK study focused on adults at least 60 years of age.

The analysis of the Phase 3 trial was the first to show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy in older adults.

Agenus and GSK  note that the AReSVi 006 study exceeded its primary endpoint without observing any unexpected safety concerns.

The companies hope to file regulatory sub…

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Biotech Agenus acquires 120 acres in biomanufacturing center in California

Agenus (Lexington, Mass.) has purchased 120 acres in the California Biomanufacturing Center located in Vacaville near Sacramento.

Agenus specializes in immuno-oncology products, which span checkpoint antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines and adjuvants.

Agenus purchased the parcels from A.G. Spanos, a housing developer.

Vacaville is aiming to spur the growth of its biotech industry. Currently, the largest biotech hubs in the state are in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.

“We are excited to expand our manufacturing and process research capabilities in Vacaville as we contemplate the commercialization of our exciting pipeline of high-tech cancer treatments,” said Garo Armen, CEO of Agenus, in a statement. “The city of Vacaville is a true partner with their commitment; Vacaville’s close proximity to talent and its high quality of life offerings were amongst the key considerations in our decision.”

Vacaville, a city of approxima…

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