The FDA cleared an investigational new drug application for AgenT-797 for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection, according to the agent?s manufacturer.

AgenT-797 (Agenus, AgenTus Therapeutics) is an allogeneic, unmodified?invariant natural killer T?(iNKT) cell therapy being examined in phase 1 clinical trials for patients with cancer.

"We are excited to evaluate this novel allogeneic iNKT cell therapy platform as a potential therapy for patients in moderate to severe respiratory distress from COVID-19,"?Koen van Besien, MD, PhD,?professor of medicine and director of the stem cell transplant program at Weill Cornell Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, said in a press release.

"The preclinical data reveal the potential of iNKTs to eliminate virus, dampen harmful inflammation and promote protection from reinfection,? van Besien added. ?These are all particularly important features as we attempt to overcome COVID-19."

Agenus said van Besien will lead the?COVID-19?trial of AgenT-797, which will begin phase 1 testing shortly.