MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT) experienced a significant surge in its stock shares, soaring by an additional 22% on June 22, 2023. Although there was no specific press release or news filing directly responsible for this recent gain, it appears that the company’s growing success is attracting heightened investor attention. MiNK Therapeutics’ positive clinical data on their leading asset, allo-iNKTs (agenT-797), in the context of COVID-19 associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (CARDS), seems to be a contributing factor to this increased investor interest.

Patients with severe respiratory distress who were treated with agenT-797 had a 5% chance of survival, which is quite low. However, the treatment showed some positive outcomes. It improved lung function, significantly reduced inflammation, and helped prevent secondary infections.
“The encouraging activity, tolerability, and ease of administration seen with allogeneic iNKT cells in patients with CARDS suggests the important role that cellular based therapies could play in infectious, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmunity,” said Dr. Terese C. Hammond, Medical Director, Providence Saint John’s Health Center and Sound Physicians. “Addressing immune system dysfunction is essential to improving outcomes in critical illness. I believe these results illuminate how novel immune cell interventions can have an impactful role in treating acute critical illness.”
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Delving Deeper: Insights into the agenT-797 clinical trial:
The clinical trial involved 20 patients with moderate to severe ARDS, including 4patients who received venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) therapy. These patients were given a single dose of agenT-797. The results showed a significant survival benefit and manageable safety profile, including the following findings:
- Patients on VV ECMO who received agenT-797 had a 75% survival rate at 90 days, compared to only 30% survival among the control group treated in the hospital.
- The administration of agenT-797 at a dosage of 1 billion cells was well-tolerated and did not lead to oxygenation failure or other major adverse events like cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
- A patient on VV ECMO support showed improved lung function (according to radiologic measurements) and significant anti-inflammatory changes within 24 hours after receiving agenT-797.
- Overall, the study indicated a reduction in secondary infections with agenT-797, including an impressive over 80% decrease in pneumonia cases in the group receiving a dose of 1 billion cells. In one patient on VV ECMO, bacterial pneumonia cleared 12 days after receiving agenT-797.
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These findings underscore the value of cellular-based therapies, particularly allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies, in addressing immune system dysfunction in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Notably, patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) therapy showed a remarkable 75% survival rate at 90 days with agenT-797 treatment, compared to the control group.
The treatment exhibited a manageable safety profile without significant adverse events, such as oxygenation failure or cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Moreover, agenT-797 induced rapid anti-inflammatory changes and improved lung function within 24 hours of administration, particularly in patients receiving VV ECMO support.
Additionally, there was a substantial reduction in secondary infections, including an impressive over 80% decrease in pneumonia cases among those receiving a specific dosage. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of agenT-797 as a therapeutic option for COVID-19 associated ARDS, furthering the development of immune cell interventions to improve critical illness outcomes and advance immune-mediated disease treatments.
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Key Players Utilizing The Potential of Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) Cells:
Allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a specialized subset of immune cells that hold great promise in the field of immunotherapy. These unique cells play a crucial role in regulating the immune system by swiftly responding to various infections and diseases. What sets iNKT cells apart is their ability to recognize specific molecules known as lipid antigens, which they detect through a receptor called the T-cell receptor (TCR). This distinctive feature allows iNKT cells to mount rapid and targeted immune responses.
The potential of iNKT cells in immunotherapy has captured the attention of several large pharmaceutical companies, recognizing the therapeutic opportunities they present. One notable example is Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), a leading pharmaceutical company that has made significant investments in the development of iNKT cell therapies. BMS has been actively involved in research collaborations to explore the therapeutic applications of iNKT cells, with a particular focus on cancer treatment. Their aim is to leverage the unique immunomodulatory properties of iNKT cells to enhance the body’s natural anti-tumor responses and improve patient outcomes.
Juno Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, is another pharmaceutical company at the forefront of utilizing iNKT cells. Juno Therapeutics specializes in developing innovative immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. They are actively investigating the potential of incorporating iNKT cells into CAR-T therapies to enhance their effectiveness and broaden their applicability in treating various diseases. By combining the unique capabilities of iNKT cells with the precision targeting of CAR-T cell therapies, Juno Therapeutics aims to create powerful and tailored treatment options for patients.
The efforts of these pharmaceutical companies, among others, demonstrate the growing recognition of the therapeutic potential of iNKT cells. By harnessing the unique properties of these cells, they seek to advance the field of immunotherapy and improve patient outcomes in a wide range of diseases, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment. Through ongoing research and development, these companies are paving the way for the future application of iNKT cell-based therapies in clinical practice.
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