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NEW YORK - MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT), a micro-cap biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $28 million focused on developing allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies, has secured a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to InvestingPro data, analysts have set ambitious price targets ranging from $35 to $70, suggesting significant potential upside despite current challenges. The grant is aimed at advancing the company’s allo-iNKT cell therapy platform, which is being developed to prevent and treat graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
GvHD is a serious condition that can occur when donor immune cells attack the recipient’s body after a stem cell transplant, potentially causing multi-organ damage and high mortality rates. MiNK’s allo-iNKT cell therapy is designed to regulate immune responses and promote tissue repair, potentially providing a more balanced treatment option that can prevent GvHD while allowing patients to maintain their ability to fight infections.
The company’s collaboration with the University of Wisconsin aims to leverage the university’s expertise in transplant immunology to further the development of this innovative therapy. Dr. Jennifer Buell, President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, expressed that the NIAID grant validates the potential of their iNKT platform and accelerates its progress in a critical area of unmet medical need.
Dr. Jenny E. Gumperz of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health highlighted the unique properties of iNKT cells in modulating immune responses, which could lead to safer long-term survival for transplant patients.
MiNK Therapeutics is also working on other immune technologies, including T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies and neoantigen discovery tools, aiming to offer accessible and durable treatments for a variety of conditions. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company maintains a FAIR financial health score of 2.0, though it faces near-term challenges with short-term obligations exceeding liquid assets, as reflected in a current ratio of 0.3. The company’s lead asset, AGENT-797, is an off-the-shelf iNKT cell therapy currently under clinical development for treating GvHD, solid tumors, and critical pulmonary immune collapse.
This news is based on a press release statement from MiNK Therapeutics. For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis with additional ProTips and detailed metrics in its Pro Research Report, helping you make informed decisions about emerging biotech opportunities like INKT.
In other recent news, Mink Therapeutics reported a net loss of $10.8 million for the fiscal year 2024, which is a significant improvement from the $22.5 million loss in 2023. The company has extended its cash runway through the end of 2025, allowing it to continue its strategic initiatives. Mink Therapeutics is advancing its gastric cancer trial and plans to file Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for new programs in 2025. The company also announced a collaboration with Autonomous Therapeutics to integrate encrypted RNA technology with its INKT cell therapies, aiming to create next-generation treatments for metastatic cancer. The recent addition of Dr. Robert Kadlek to the board, a leader in biodefense and pandemic preparedness, is expected to enhance the company’s strategic depth. Mink Therapeutics has also been awarded probable funding by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to explore the activity of its INKT cells in acute graft versus host disease. Despite ongoing challenges, the company remains focused on innovation and operational efficiency.
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