MiNK Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Terese C. Hammond to Accelerate iNKT Pipeline to Pivotal Development

Core Insights - MiNK Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Terese C. Hammond as Head of Inflammatory and Pulmonary Diseases, which is expected to enhance the company's focus on innovative therapies for severe pulmonary and inflammatory diseases [1][3]. Company Overview - MiNK Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies and precision-targeted immune technologies [6]. - The company's lead asset, AgenT-797, is an allogeneic iNKT cell therapy currently in clinical development for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), solid tumors, and critical pulmonary immune collapse [6][9]. Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Hammond is a recognized leader in pulmonary and critical care medicine, with over two decades of experience and a history of advancing registration-stage programs in severe diseases [2][5]. - She has served as principal investigator on pivotal studies for major pharmaceutical companies and is the lead author of significant publications related to MiNK's iNKT cell therapy [2][3]. Clinical Programs - Dr. Hammond will lead MiNK's inflammatory and pulmonary disease portfolio, which includes a grant-supported clinical trial in GvHD and a planned late-stage trial in severe pulmonary disease [3][7]. - These programs are positioned as substantial, low-risk opportunities supported by strong biological rationale and peer-reviewed data [3]. Research and Development - iNKT therapies have shown promising results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other severe pulmonary diseases, indicating a substantial opportunity for near-term pivotal advancement [4][9]. - The unique biology of iNKTs allows for a robust immune response against difficult-to-treat tumors, enhancing the potential for transformative treatment options [9].