MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. has announced significant advancements in cancer treatment with the release of new preclinical data for MiNK-215, an innovative therapy designed to combat solid tumors. The findings highlight MiNK-215’s ability to drive potent anti-tumor activity by targeting and clearing tumor-protective fibroblasts. This breakthrough was detailed in a publication titled “The allogeneic FAP-CAR-IL15 iNKT therapy MiNK-215 remodels the tumor stroma to enhance antitumor immunity,” now available on the Cancer Immunology Research website.
MiNK-215 operates by targeting FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which contribute to the dense, immunosuppressive environment that often hinders effective immune responses in solid tumors. By dismantling these barriers, MiNK-215 allows immune cells to infiltrate the tumor more effectively and carry out their functions. Additionally, the therapy utilizes an IL-15 enhancement to boost immune activation and persistence.
Key Findings and Implications
The research reveals that MiNK-215 addresses critical challenges in treating solid tumors. It effectively dismantles the protective stromal barrier and selectively eliminates FAP+ CAFs, enabling better immune cell infiltration. In preclinical models of lung and MSS colorectal cancer, MiNK-215 has demonstrated the ability to:
– Remodel the tumor microenvironment
– Activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen-presentation pathways
– Reprogram macrophages to a pro-inflammatory state that attacks cancer cells
– Facilitate significant infiltration of tumor-specific T cells
As an “off-the-shelf” treatment, MiNK-215 can be manufactured at scale, making it readily available for patients who have not responded to existing immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors.
Jennifer Buell, PhD, President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, emphasized the potential impact of these findings. “The findings published today underscore the real potential of MiNK-215 to reshape how we treat solid tumors that have resisted immunotherapy for decades. By dismantling the fibroblast barriers that shield these cancers and activating multiple arms of the immune system, MiNK-215 goes beyond traditional checkpoint approaches. As an allogeneic, off-the-shelf therapy, it represents a meaningful step toward delivering scalable, immediate immune engagement for patients who currently have few effective options,” said Buell.
About MiNK Therapeutics
MiNK Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm focusing on allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies aimed at restoring immune balance and driving durable cytotoxic responses. The company’s proprietary iNKT platform integrates innate and adaptive immunity, targeting various conditions, including cancer and immune disorders.
The lead candidate, AgenT-797, is currently undergoing clinical trials for multiple indications, including solid tumors and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). MiNK Therapeutics is advancing a new class of immune reconstitution therapies designed to provide durable and accessible treatments globally.
In summary, the advancements demonstrated by MiNK-215 could represent a significant leap forward in the treatment of solid tumors, particularly in cases where previous therapies have failed. As the data continues to emerge, the hope is that MiNK-215 will provide a new, effective option for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
