MiNK Therapeutics to Present Data on Treatment-Resistant Colorectal Cancer and Clearance of Senescent Tumor Cells and Fibroblasts at SITC 2026

The ongoing Phase 2 combination trial evaluates patients with previously treated microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

Rhea-AI Summary

MiNK Therapeutics (NASDAQ: INKT) announced two SITC 2026 poster presentations on preclinical findings in treatment-resistant colorectal cancer and senescent cells.

agenT-797 enabled tumor-cell killing in a human organoid model, a laboratory-grown tissue model, of checkpoint inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer liver metastases. The research examines agenT-797 alone and with botensilimab and balstilimab, and supports the rationale for an ongoing Phase 2 combination trial at Scripps.

Native agenT-797 and engineered MiNK-215 eliminated senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts in laboratory models. The senescent-cell poster is scheduled for November 6, 2026, and the colorectal cancer poster for November 7, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Positive

• Minor pointagenT-797 enabled tumor-cell killing in a human organoid model of checkpoint inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer liver metastases.
• Minor pointNative agenT-797 and engineered MiNK-215 eliminated senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts in preclinical laboratory models.
• Minor pointOngoing Phase 2 trial at Scripps evaluates agenT-797 with botensilimab and balstilimab in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Negative

• None.

Key Terms

allogeneic, organoid model, microsatellite-stable (MSS), IL-15, +1 more

5 terms

allogeneic medical

"allogeneic invariant natural killer T (allo-iNKT) cell therapies"

Allogeneic describes a process or material involving different individuals of the same species, such as cells, tissues, or organs donated from one person to another. It is important to investors because products or treatments based on allogeneic sources can enable scalable, off-the-shelf solutions, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility in healthcare and biotech industries.

organoid model medical

"in a human organoid model of immune checkpoint inhibitor–refractory colorectal cancer"

A lab-grown, three-dimensional cluster of cells derived from stem cells or primary tissue that self-organizes to reproduce key structural and functional features of a specific human organ or tissue; researchers use organoid models to study biology, disease mechanisms, and responses to drugs in a controlled setting. They are smaller and simpler than whole organs, lack full vascular and immune systems, and can vary in composition and maturity depending on how they are made, so results from organoid models approximate but do not fully replicate whole-organ behavior.

microsatellite-stable (MSS) medical

"previously treated microsatellite-stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer"

Microsatellite-stable (MSS) describes a tumor or tissue sample that shows no evidence of microsatellite instability—i.e., the short, repeated DNA sequences called microsatellites retain their expected lengths. MSS implies that the DNA mismatch repair system is functioning well enough that errors in microsatellite regions have not accumulated to a level detected by standard assays (PCR, next‑generation sequencing panels, or immunohistochemistry indirect testing). Distinction: MSS is the opposite of microsatellite instability-high (MSI‑H); it simply indicates absence of the specific MSI signal and does not by itself characterize other genetic changes or clinical behavior.

IL-15 medical

"a FAP-targeting CAR-iNKT cell therapy incorporating IL-15"

A naturally produced immune-signaling protein that helps stimulate and sustain certain white blood cells, acting like a text message that tells the body's disease-fighting cells to grow, multiply and stay active. Investors watch IL-15 because therapies that boost or mimic it are being developed to treat cancers and infectious diseases; successful drugs or clinical advances can change a biotech company’s value by opening new treatment markets or improving existing ones.

in vitro technical

"in oncogenic in vitro models of senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts"

In vitro describes laboratory tests performed on cells, tissues, or biological molecules outside a living body—literally “in glass,” such as in test tubes or dishes. For investors, in vitro results are an early sign that a drug or technology has a desired effect under controlled conditions, but they don’t guarantee it will work or be safe in animals or people; think of them as a prototype tested on a bench rather than in real-world use.

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• agenT-797 enables tumor-cell killing in a human relevant model of checkpoint inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer liver metastases
• Native and engineered iNKT cells eliminate senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts in preclinical models, supporting complementary approaches to cancer treatment
  
  

NEW YORK, Oct. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering allogeneic invariant natural killer T (allo-iNKT) cell therapies to restore immune balance and treat immune-mediated diseases and cancer, today announced two poster presentations at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 41st Annual Meeting. The presentations address two distinct areas of cancer research: tumor-cell killing in checkpoint inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer liver metastases and elimination of senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts.

The first presentation examines agenT-797 alone and in combination with botensilimab and balstilimab (BOT+BAL) in a human organoid model of immune checkpoint inhibitor–refractory colorectal cancer liver metastases. This preclinical research supports the rationale for the ongoing Phase 2 trial at Scripps, led by Darren Sigal, M.D., evaluating the combination in patients with previously treated microsatellite-stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer with liver metastases (NCT07550088).

The second examines native agenT-797 and engineered MiNK-215, a FAP-targeting CAR-iNKT cell therapy incorporating IL-15, in oncogenic in vitro models of senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts.

Together, the presentations highlight complementary opportunities for MiNK’s platform; addressing treatment-resistant cancer and targeting senescent cancer and stromal cells.

Poster Presentation Details

Title: Native and engineered allogenic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells eliminate senescent tumor cells and fibroblasts in oncogenic in vitro models
Presenter: Jing Fang, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Jesús Gil, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Times: 12:15–1:45 p.m.; 6:40–8:10 p.m. MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, North Building, Lower Level, Exhibition Halls 4–6
Poster No.: 177

Title: agenT-797, an allogeneic iNKT cell therapy, enables tumor-cell killing in a human organoid model of immune checkpoint inhibitor–refractory colorectal cancer liver metastases
Presenter: Shanmugarajan Krishnan, Ph.D., M.S., B.S.; Agenus Inc., Lexington, MA
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Times: 12:15–1:45 p.m.; 6:40–8:10 p.m. MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, North Building, Lower Level, Exhibition Halls 4–6
Poster No.: 270

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 combat inflammation in critically ill patients with severe respiratory pathology (Nature Communications. 2024).

About MiNK-215

MiNK-215 is an investigational, allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR-iNKT cell therapy engineered to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressed on stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. MiNK-215 also incorporates soluble IL-15, designed to enhance cell persistence and immune activation. (Cancer Immunology Research)

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

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did MiNK Therapeutics report about agenT-797 in treatment-resistant colorectal cancer?

agenT-797 enabled tumor-cell killing in a human organoid model of checkpoint inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer liver metastases. The preclinical research examines agenT-797 alone and in combination with botensilimab and balstilimab; these findings are from a laboratory model rather than patient results.

Which patients are being studied in MiNK Therapeutics' Phase 2 colorectal cancer combination trial?

The ongoing Phase 2 trial at Scripps evaluates patients with previously treated microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer with liver metastases. Led by Darren Sigal, M.D., the trial studies agenT-797 with botensilimab and balstilimab and is identified as NCT07550088.