AgenT-797 Demonstrates Potential in Treating Severe ARDS, Study in Nature Communications Reveals

MiNK Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical firm at the clinical stage, is dedicated to the innovation, development, and market introduction of allogeneic, ready-to-use therapies based on invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. These therapies are designed to combat cancer and other diseases that the immune system mediates. The company's primary product, AGENT-797, is currently undergoing multiple Phase 1 clinical trials, with anticipated results to be released later this year. The research team at MiNK is focused on creating potential first- or best-in-class treatments by employing a next-generation technology platform to develop novel engineered iNKT cell therapies and bispecific iNKT cell engagers.

A recent study published in Nature Communications reported the outcomes of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for AGENT-797 in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress (ARDS) caused by SARS-CoV-2. The results indicate that AGENT-797 could significantly improve patient survival rates and decrease the likelihood of secondary infections, while also maintaining a good safety record.

ARDS is a severe, rapidly progressing form of respiratory failure with a high mortality rate. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a single dose of allogeneic iNKT cells, specifically AGENT-797, on patients with varying levels of ARDS, including those on mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Dr. Terese Hammond, the principal investigator of the trial and an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, highlighted the innovative nature of allogeneic iNKT cells in treating severe respiratory distress. She suggested that these cell therapies could enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly in cases of viral pneumonia related to COVID-19.

Key findings from the study include a survival rate of over 70% in patients on mechanical ventilation, with an impressive 80% survival rate among those on ECMO. These figures are significantly higher when compared to a 10% survival rate in a control group within the same healthcare facility. Additionally, AGENT-797 was found to stimulate anti-inflammatory biomarkers and prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections, leading to an over 80% reduction in pneumonia in patients receiving the highest dosage.

Marc van Dijk, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at MiNK Therapeutics, underscored the importance of the study's findings, which he said highlight the unique properties and critical role of iNKT cells in regulating the immune system. He noted the potential of AGENT-797 as a versatile treatment for various illnesses, given its favorable safety profile and the company's capability to manufacture the therapy on a large scale.

MiNK Therapeutics, headquartered in New York, is advancing a pipeline of both native and next-generation engineered iNKT cell programs. The company's platform is designed to enable scalable and reproducible manufacturing for the off-the-shelf availability of these therapies. 

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