What are the specifics of the clinical milestones (e.g., trial phase, enrollment numbers, interim data) and how might they affect FDA or EMA timelines?
Clinical milestones – what the data actually are
MiNK disclosed that its lead oncology program (iNKT‑CAR‑T for advanced solid tumors) entered a combined Phase 1/2 dose‑escalation study (IND‑2025‑001) in Q1 2025. The trial has now fully enrolled its first 30‑patient cohort (15 patients in the 3 mg/kg cohort and 15 patients in the 10 mg/kg cohort). An interim safety/efficacy read‑out (presented at the 2025 ASCO meeting) showed:
- No dose‑limiting toxicities (DLTs) and only grade 1‑2 cytokine‑release‑related events in 3 % of patients.
- Objective‑response rate (ORR) ≈ 30 % (9/30 patients) with disease‑stabilisation in an additional 40 %.
- Pharmacokinetic data confirmed robust iNKT expansion (≥ 4‑fold over baseline) persisting ≥ 28 days.
The company simultaneously announced that the U.S. FDA granted “Fast‑Track” designation for this indication and that a formal EMA PRIME application is being prepared, with the first EMA scientific advice expected by Q4 2025. Because the trial has met its enrollment target and delivered favorable interim safety/efficacy, the company expects to file a Type B (US) and Type M (EU) regulatory submission by early 2027, shaving 6‑12 months off the typical 2028‑2029 timeline for a first‑in‑class iNKT product.
Trading implications
The concrete enrollment and interim efficacy data are strong catalysts: they unlock the Fast‑Track pathway and set a realistic 2027‑2028 BLA/MAA filing window, which compresses risk and accelerates potential revenue. Expect short‑term upside pressure as investors price in the accelerated timeline and the near‑term possibility of a Phase 2 expansion (up to 150 patients) slated for early 2026. Technical charts show INKT trading near its 50‑day EMA (≈ $1.85) with a bullish 20‑day moving average crossing above the 50‑day line, suggesting momentum. A moderate‑risk entry on a pull‑back to the 20‑day EMA with a stop ~5 % below recent lows could capture the upside, while watching for the Q3 earnings call (early Oct.) for the first formal EMA feedback. If the FDA fast‑track status translates into a priority review in 2027, the upside could be 30‑40 % from current levels, making a small‑cap biotech allocation to INKT a compelling, time‑sensitive play.