MiNK Therapeutics and Memorial Sloan Kettering to present phase II study of agenT-797 combination in PD-1 refractory gastroesophageal cancer at AACR 2026

MiNK Therapeutics

20:10 03/04/2026

MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: INKT) said data from an investigator-initiated Phase II trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center evaluating agent-797, its allogeneic invariant natural killer T (allo-iNKT) cell therapy, in combination with botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL) will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting taking place April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, California.

The study assesses a multi-mechanistic immunotherapy regimen in patients with PD-1 refractory gastroesophageal cancer (GEC), an area described by the company as having high unmet need due to resistance to checkpoint inhibition.

Presentation details

Abstract title: A phase II study of agenT-797, botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL) in PD-1 refractory gastroesophageal cancer (GEC)
Presenter: Samuel L. Cytyrn, MD; Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Session: Phase II and Phase III Clinical Trials
Date/Time: April 20, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM PT; 5:00–8:00 PM EDT
Poster section: 52
Abstract number: CT166

Company perspective on the trial

Jennifer Buell, Ph.D., President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, said the study is among the first clinical evaluations of an iNKT cell therapy combined with dual checkpoint modulation in gastroesophageal cancer, aimed at re-engaging the immune system in patients who have progressed on prior checkpoint therapy.

Buell added that the data build on immune-modulating findings reported the previous year and extend them into the clinical setting. She described agenT-797 as designed to bridge innate and adaptive immunity as an “immune orchestrator,” with the potential to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and restore immune responsiveness.

About the therapy and rationale

MiNK said agenT-797 is an allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy designed to harness both innate and adaptive immunity. The company described iNKTs as “master regulators,” combining NK cell cytotoxic capabilities with T-cell–like antigen recognition and memory.

MiNK stated that agenT-797 is manufactured in Lexington, Massachusetts, using a scalable, off-the-shelf process, and is being developed for GVHD, solid tumors, and severe pulmonary inflammation.

About MiNK Therapeutics

MiNK Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies and precision-targeted immune technologies. The company said its platform is intended to restore immune balance and drive cytotoxic responses across cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and pulmonary immune failure.