MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer, has released significant preclinical data highlighting the anti-tumor potential of its latest product, MiNK-215. This new therapy targets cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that contribute to immunosuppression within tumors, a major hurdle in effective cancer treatment.
The findings, published on **November 20, 2025**, on the Cancer Immunology Research website, demonstrate that MiNK-215, an IL-15 armoured FAP-targeting CAR-invariant natural killer T (CAR-iNKT) cell therapy, effectively clears FAP-positive fibroblasts. This action enables immune cells to penetrate tumors and exert their anti-cancer effects.
Key Mechanisms of MiNK-215
MiNK-215 addresses two critical barriers in solid tumors: the protective stromal barrier and the dysfunctional immune environment. Specifically, the therapy dismantles the dense stroma created by FAP-positive CAFs, which has historically impeded immune cell infiltration. By doing so, MiNK-215 allows for enhanced immune activation, resulting in potent and lasting anti-tumor responses, particularly in models of lung and metastatic colorectal cancer.
Key findings from the research include the therapy’s ability to:
– Activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen presentation pathways.
– Reprogram macrophages to a pro-inflammatory state, conducive to cancer cell elimination.
– Facilitate significant infiltration of tumor-specific T cells into the tumor microenvironment.
The combination of these effects creates a favorable landscape for immune responses against tumors that have been resistant to conventional therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.
Scalable and Immediate Treatment Options
As an “off-the-shelf” therapy, MiNK-215 can be manufactured at scale, offering a potentially rapid treatment option for patients with solid tumors. This capability is particularly important for those who have exhausted existing therapeutic avenues.
Jennifer Buell, PhD, President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The findings published today underscore the real potential of MiNK-215 to reshape how we treat solid tumors that have resisted immunotherapy for decades.” She further noted that the therapy’s ability to dismantle protective barriers and activate various immune pathways positions it as a promising alternative to traditional approaches.
About MiNK Therapeutics
MiNK Therapeutics is dedicated to pioneering allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies aimed at restoring immune balance and eliciting durable responses against cancer and immune disorders. Its lead candidate, AgenT-797, is currently in clinical trials for various malignancies and immune-related conditions.
The company’s pipeline also includes other iNKT-based programs designed for specific immune activation, showcasing its commitment to advancing immune reconstitution therapies with global accessibility.
As MiNK Therapeutics continues to develop its innovative therapies, the implications of MiNK-215 could represent a significant advancement in the fight against resilient solid tumors, potentially transforming treatment paradigms for patients worldwide.
For more information, interested parties can reach out to MiNK Therapeutics through their investor and media contacts.
