Agenus scrapped its phase 3 colorectal study after only three months, shutting down the Battman trial of botensilimab plus balstilimab in unresectable MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. The company will refocus on a planned phase 3 program, Robbin, targeting MSS colon cancer. Battman was launched to enroll 830 patients across Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand, but Agenus cited the need to narrow its focus after the early course of enrollment. Agenus said it aligned with the FDA on Robbin’s design and expects enrollment of 850 patients, using a similar BOT+BAL combination. To support the transition, Agenus announced a private placement that could raise up to $340 million, led by Commodore Capital with participation from RA Capital Management, TCGX, Invus, and Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Agenus said it will honor obligations to patients already receiving treatment in Battman and coordinate responsibly with investigators during the changeover.