UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

March 12, 2009
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

781-674-4400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

---

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01     Other Events

On March 12, 2009, Antigenics Inc. announced that Oncophage^® (vitespen) has been granted a positive recommendation for orphan drug designation for the treatment of glioma by the Committee for Orphan Medical Products of the European Medicines Agency. This designation provides Antigenics with, among other benefits, 10 years of potential market exclusivity if the product is approved for marketing in the European Union.

The full text of the press release issued in connection with the announcement is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

The following exhibit is furnished herewith:

   99.1       Press Release dated March 12, 2009

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX