MiNK Therapeutics Presents New Data of allo-iNKT Cell Therapy as a Potential Disease-Modifying Approach in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at Keystone Symposia
Rhea-AI Summary
MiNK Therapeutics (Nasdaq: INKT) presented translational human lung data at Keystone Symposia (Feb 1–4, 2026) showing significant depletion of iNKT cells in lung-associated lymph nodes from end-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients.
Findings support a mechanistic role for iNKT insufficiency in advanced IPF and strengthen rationale for iNKT cell replenishment strategies to restore immune balance and support tissue repair in fibrotic lung disease.
Positive
- Poster presentation at Keystone Symposia on Feb 3, 2026
- Human tissue evidence of significant iNKT cell depletion in lung-associated lymph nodes from advanced IPF patients
- IPF prevalence cited ~100,000 patients in the U.S.; 30,000–40,000 new diagnoses annually
Negative
- Findings are translational tissue data without demonstrated clinical reversal of fibrosis or clinical endpoints
- No new efficacy, safety, or regulatory approval data for iNKT therapy were reported
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, INKT gained 2.18%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
INKT was down 3.44% while peers were mixed: ACET -3.27%, ARTV -1.19%, HOWL -4.73% and ALXO, PRLD both up around 10%. Momentum scanner flagged ALXO up 4.28% and PRLD down 4.80%, indicating stock-specific rather than broad sector movement.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08 | Clinical trial start | Positive | -1.7% | Phase 1 allo‑iNKT trial for GvHD prevention with non‑dilutive funding support. |
| Nov 20 | Preclinical oncology data | Positive | -1.3% | Preclinical MiNK‑215 data showing potent anti‑tumor activity in solid tumors. |
| Nov 14 | Earnings and pipeline | Positive | -3.6% | Q3 2025 results with durable agenT‑797 responses and runway through 2026. |
| Nov 07 | Clinical data update | Positive | -3.1% | SITC 2025 agenT‑797 data showing ~23‑month median OS and favorable safety. |
| Nov 05 | Earnings preview | Positive | +2.0% | Announcement of upcoming Q3 results and recent late‑breaking SITC data. |
Recent positive clinical and platform updates have often been followed by negative next-day price reactions, suggesting a pattern of selling into news.
Over the last few months, MiNK reported multiple iNKT platform milestones, including SITC 2025 solid tumor data, Q3 2025 earnings with cash of $14.28M, and a Phase 1 GvHD trial announcement on Jan 8, 2026. Despite generally positive clinical narratives, four of the last five news events saw negative 24-hour price moves. Today’s IPF translational data extend the allo‑iNKT platform into chronic fibrotic lung disease, fitting the pattern of scientific expansion amid a weak share-price backdrop.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective S-3 shelf filed on Nov 7, 2025 registers up to $150,000,000 of securities and includes an ATM for up to $50,000,000 of common stock through B. Riley, with current ATM capacity of $6,641,284 and a 3.0% sales commission. Usage_count of 0 indicates this capital access has not yet been drawn upon.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends MiNK’s allo‑iNKT platform into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting iNKT cell depletion in advanced disease and a potential immune‑restorative approach for a U.S. population of about 100,000 patients and 30,000–40,000 new diagnoses annually. Recent history shows multiple positive‑sounding updates alongside ongoing losses and a going‑concern note, balanced by Q3 2025 cash of $14.28M and a $150M shelf with ATM flexibility, underscoring both opportunity and financing risk to monitor.
Key Terms
allo-iNKT cell therapy medical
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis medical
invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells medical
acute lung injury medical
ARDS medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- Human lung tissue analyses identify iNKT cell depletion as a mechanistic feature of advanced IPF
- Findings extend MiNK’s iNKT platform into chronic fibrotic lung disease and support immune restoration strategies in IPF, a large unmet-need market
LEXINGTON, Mass., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MiNK Therapeutics (Nasdaq: INKT) today announced that new translational data supporting the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were presented at the Emerging Cell Therapies Meeting of the Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology, taking place February 1–4, 2026, in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
The data, presented by Dr. Terese Hammond, Head of Pulmonary and Inflammatory Diseases at MiNK Therapeutics and a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, demonstrate a significant depletion of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in lung-associated lymph nodes from patients with end-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), supporting a mechanistic role for iNKT insufficiency in advanced disease.
“This work provides direct human tissue evidence that iNKT insufficiency is present in advanced IPF,” explained Dr. Terese Hammond. “When considered alongside our prior clinical experience demonstrating immunomodulatory and tissue repair–associated activity of iNKT cell therapy in acute lung injury and ARDS, these findings support the broader potential of MiNK’s iNKT platform to address chronic immune-mediated lung disease.”
The findings strengthen the translational rationale for iNKT cell replenishment strategies as a potential approach to restoring immune balance and supporting tissue repair in fibrotic lung disease. Importantly, this work expands MiNK’s platform relevance into chronic fibrotic and senescence-associated indications, complementing ongoing development programs in oncology, GVHD, and severe pulmonary inflammation.
IPF is a fatal, progressive lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring of the lungs, progressive respiratory failure, and a median survival of 3–5 years. No currently approved treatment has demonstrated the ability to reverse fibrosis or restore immune balance. IPF affects approximately 100,000 patients in the United States, with 30,000–40,000 new diagnoses annually and represents a substantial global unmet medical need.
The Keystone data show that iNKT cells—key regulators of immune homeostasis—are significantly depleted in lung-associated lymphoid tissue in patients with advanced IPF compared with donor controls. This depletion suggests loss of a natural immunoregulatory mechanism that may contribute to persistent inflammation and progressive fibrotic remodeling, even in late-stage disease.
Poster Presentation Details
- Conference: Keystone Symposia – Emerging Cell Therapies
- Presentation Time: February 3, 2026 | 7:30 PM MT
- Poster Number: 2528
- Session: Poster Session 2
About MiNK Therapeutics
MiNK Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies and precision-targeted immune technologies. MiNK’s proprietary platform is designed to restore immune balance and drive cytotoxic responses across cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and pulmonary immune failure. MiNK’s lead candidate, agenT-797, is an off-the-shelf iNKT cell therapy currently in clinical development for GvHD, solid tumors, and severe pulmonary inflammation. With a scalable cryopreserved manufacturing process and differentiated biology bridging innate and adaptive immunity, MiNK is committed to developing next-generation immune reconstitution therapies. For more information, visit www.minktherapeutics.com or follow us on X @MiNK_iNKT.
About AgenT-797
AgenT-797 is an allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy that harnesses the dual power of innate and adaptive immunity. iNKTs function as “master regulators,” combining the cytotoxic capabilities of NK cells with T-cell–like antigen recognition and memory. This unique biology enables a robust, pathogen-agnostic immune response that can be directed against hard-to-treat tumors. Manufactured by MiNK Therapeutics in Lexington, MA, agenT-797 is a scalable, off-the-shelf product designed to provide accessible, transformative treatment options. In clinical trials, agenT-797 can bolster peripheral memory T-cell activation, enhance tumor infiltration, and potentially improve outcomes for patients with solid cancers (Cytryn et al. AACR IO 2024, Oncogene. 2024) and to combat inflammation in critically ill patients with severe respiratory pathology (Nature Communications. 2024).
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the therapeutic potential, safety, and anticipated benefits of agenT-797; clinical trial design, timing, and enrollment; and MiNK’s broader development plans. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in MiNK’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. MiNK cautions investors not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.
Contacts:
Investor Contact: 917-362-1370 | investor@minktherapeutics.com
Media Contact: 781-674-4428 | communications@minktherapeutics.com
Source: MiNK Therapeutics
FAQ
What did MiNK Therapeutics (INKT) present about iNKT cells at Keystone Symposia on February 3, 2026?
How could MiNK's iNKT cell therapy (INKT) address idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis according to the February 2026 presentation?
Does the Keystone poster from MiNK (INKT) report clinical proof that iNKT therapy reverses fibrosis?
What is the size and urgency of the IPF patient population cited by MiNK (INKT) in February 2026?
When and where was MiNK's iNKT/IPF poster presented, and how can investors reference it?
