Company Description
MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies and precision-targeted immune technologies. According to company disclosures, MiNK’s proprietary iNKT platform is designed to restore immune balance and drive durable cytotoxic immune responses across cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and pulmonary immune failure.
Core focus and therapeutic platform
MiNK describes itself as pioneering off-the-shelf, allogeneic iNKT cell therapies. iNKT cells are characterized in MiNK’s materials as “master regulators” that bridge innate and adaptive immunity, combining the cytotoxic capabilities of natural killer cells with T cell–like antigen recognition and memory. The company states that its platform is intended to address conditions marked by immune collapse, autoimmune activity, or resistance to existing immunotherapies.
The company emphasizes a scalable, cryopreserved manufacturing process designed to support reproducible, off-the-shelf delivery. Its disclosures highlight a focus on immune reconstitution, immune modulation, and the ability to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and other disease settings where immune dysfunction is central.
Lead candidate: agenT-797
MiNK’s lead asset, agenT-797 (also referenced as AGENT-797 in some company communications), is described as an allogeneic iNKT cell therapy that harnesses both innate and adaptive immunity. Company materials indicate that agenT-797 is:
- An off-the-shelf, donor-derived iNKT cell product, manufactured for cryopreserved use.
- Designed to be administered without the need for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching or lymphodepleting conditioning regimens, according to MiNK’s descriptions.
- In clinical development for solid tumors, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and critical pulmonary immune failure, including severe pulmonary inflammatory disease and acute respiratory distress–type settings as described in company publications.
MiNK reports that agenT-797 has shown immune-modulating activity, including bolstering peripheral memory T-cell activation, enhancing tumor infiltration, and reducing pulmonary inflammation in clinical and translational studies referenced by the company in journals such as Oncogene, Frontiers in Immunology, and Nature Communications. Company communications also describe durable responses and long-term remissions in heavily pretreated, checkpoint-refractory solid tumors when agenT-797 is used alone or in combination with anti–PD-1 therapy in early-stage trials.
Pipeline and next-generation programs
Beyond its lead program, MiNK states that it is advancing a pipeline of native and engineered iNKT therapies. This includes:
- MiNK-215, described as an IL-15–enhanced, FAP-targeting CAR-iNKT therapy engineered to eliminate FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and remodel the tumor stroma in preclinical models of treatment-resistant solid tumors.
- T cell receptor (TCR)-based iNKT programs and neoantigen-targeted iNKT programs that, according to MiNK, enable tissue- or tumor-specific immune activation.
Company materials emphasize that these programs are intended to address solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, autoimmune disease, and immune collapse, including severe pulmonary and transplant-related complications, by rebalancing immune responses and overcoming resistance mechanisms.
Key disease areas and indications
Based on MiNK’s own descriptions, the company is concentrating its development efforts in several high-need disease categories:
- Oncology (solid tumors): AgenT-797 is being evaluated in advanced, checkpoint-refractory solid tumors, including gastric cancer and other solid tumor types that have progressed after multiple prior therapies. Company reports describe durable responses, disease stabilization, and immune reprogramming in this setting.
- Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and transplantation: MiNK highlights a program using agenT-797 in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), with the goal of reducing GvHD, relapse, and post-transplant complications. The company notes non-dilutive support from NIH STTR grants and philanthropic awards for these efforts.
- Pulmonary immune failure and severe inflammatory lung disease: Company communications describe agenT-797 as being developed for severe pulmonary inflammatory disease and critical pulmonary immune collapse, with peer-reviewed data in acute respiratory distress–type conditions.
- Immune-mediated and autoimmune disorders: MiNK’s descriptions of its platform reference applications in autoimmune disease and broader immune dysregulation, reflecting its focus on immune reconstitution and modulation.
Technology characteristics
According to MiNK’s public statements, its iNKT therapies are characterized by:
- Allogeneic, off-the-shelf design, allowing donor-derived cells to be manufactured in advance and stored as cryopreserved products.
- HLA-independent activity, which the company associates with the potential to treat a broad patient population without individualized matching.
- Mechanisms that bridge innate and adaptive immunity, including activation of dendritic cells, reprogramming of macrophages toward pro-inflammatory states, and reinvigoration of exhausted T cells, as described in MiNK’s summaries of clinical and preclinical work.
- An emphasis on immune reconstitution in settings of immune collapse, such as severe infections, trauma-associated conditions, and transplant-related complications, as reflected in the company’s communications.
Corporate and regulatory profile
MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware and, according to its SEC filings, its common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol INKT. The company identifies itself in regulatory filings as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and reports that it is headquartered in New York, New York. It operates within the broader biological product manufacturing and biopharmaceutical sector, with a focus on cell-based immunotherapies.
MiNK’s SEC filings reference activities typical of a public clinical-stage biotechnology company, including at-the-market equity programs, grant funding, and board and governance updates. The company also reports non-dilutive funding from U.S. federal agencies and philanthropic organizations to support its GvHD and transplantation programs.
Position within cell therapy and immuno-oncology
Across its public communications, MiNK presents itself as part of the emerging field of cellular immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on iNKT cells as a distinct modality. Rather than focusing on autologous products, MiNK’s approach centers on allogeneic, universal donor–derived iNKT therapies designed for scalable manufacturing and on-demand delivery. The company highlights the potential for its platform to address tumors and diseases that have not responded to checkpoint inhibitors or conventional immunotherapies, as well as conditions of severe immune dysfunction in pulmonary and transplant settings.
Stock and investor considerations
Investors researching INKT stock are primarily gaining exposure to a clinical-stage, development-focused biopharmaceutical company with programs in oncology, GvHD, transplantation, and pulmonary immune failure. As reflected in its SEC filings and press releases, MiNK’s value proposition is closely tied to the progress of its clinical trials, translational data, grant-supported collaborations, and the evolution of its iNKT-based pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions about MiNK Therapeutics (INKT)
- What does MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. do?
MiNK Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies and precision immune technologies. According to the company, its platform is designed to restore immune balance and drive cytotoxic responses in cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and pulmonary immune failure. - What is MiNK’s lead product candidate?
The company’s lead candidate is agenT-797, an off-the-shelf, allogeneic iNKT cell therapy. MiNK reports that agenT-797 is in clinical development for solid tumors, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and critical pulmonary immune failure. - How does MiNK describe the role of iNKT cells?
MiNK characterizes iNKT cells as “master regulators” of immunity that bridge innate and adaptive responses. Company materials state that iNKT cells can combine cytotoxic activity with T cell–like antigen recognition and memory, enabling immune reprogramming in tumors and other disease settings. - What disease areas is MiNK targeting?
Based on its public statements, MiNK is targeting advanced solid tumors, graft-versus-host disease and transplant-related complications, severe pulmonary inflammatory disease and critical pulmonary immune collapse, as well as broader immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions associated with immune dysregulation. - What is MiNK-215?
MiNK-215 is described by the company as an IL-15–enhanced, FAP-targeting CAR-iNKT therapy. In preclinical data reported by MiNK, MiNK-215 is engineered to eliminate FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and remodel the tumor stroma to support anti-tumor immunity in solid tumors. - Where is MiNK Therapeutics listed and what is its ticker symbol?
According to its SEC filings, MiNK Therapeutics’ common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol INKT. - How does MiNK describe its manufacturing approach?
The company states that it uses a scalable, cryopreserved manufacturing process for its allogeneic iNKT therapies. This approach is intended to support reproducible, off-the-shelf products that can be delivered on demand. - Does MiNK use non-dilutive funding for its programs?
MiNK reports that certain programs, particularly in GvHD and transplantation, are supported by non-dilutive funding, including NIH STTR grants and philanthropic clinical trial awards. These funds are described as supporting both preclinical and clinical development. - What sector and industry does MiNK belong to?
MiNK operates in the biopharmaceutical and biological product manufacturing space, with a focus on cell-based immunotherapies and immune modulators. - Is MiNK Therapeutics a commercial-stage company?
No. MiNK describes itself as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, which means its therapies are in development and clinical testing rather than being approved commercial products.