MiNK Therapeutics Upgraded to Buy by H.C. Wainwright Amid Upcoming Catalysts

H.C. Wainwright upgraded MiNK Therapeutics (INKT) to Buy from Neutral, citing the company's Phase 2 gastric cancer data expected later this year as a significant catalyst for the shares. The analyst believes MiNK shares are undervalued and sees the data as a potential game-changer.

H.C. Wainwright, a leading investment firm, recently upgraded MiNK Therapeutics (INKT) to a "Buy" rating from "Neutral," citing the company's Phase 2 gastric cancer data expected later this year as a significant catalyst for the shares. The analyst believes that the upcoming data could be a game-changer for MiNK Therapeutics, positioning it as a strong investment opportunity.

The upgrade by H.C. Wainwright follows a period of mixed analyst sentiment, with two upgrades and two downgrades from various firms over the past 90 days. Despite this volatility, the consensus remains tilted towards optimism, with four analysts now rating the stock as "Buy" or "Strong Buy," and a 12-month average price target of $37.50, representing a 151.51% upside from its current price of $14.91 [2].

MiNK Therapeutics' strategic capital raises and non-dilutive grants have extended its cash runway to mid-2026, providing financial flexibility while advancing its pipeline. The company recently raised $13 million through equity sales, bringing its cash reserves to $14.7 million, and has seen a 30% reduction in operating cash burn year-over-year. This lean operational model, combined with non-dilutive funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (STTR) and academic partners, validates the scientific merit of MiNK's iNKT cell therapy in immune-mediated diseases [1].

The core asset of MiNK Therapeutics, AGENT-797, is a universal off-the-shelf iNKT cell therapy that has shown promise in targeting "undruggable" cancers. The recent case of a 49-year-old patient with treatment-refractory metastatic testicular cancer achieving complete remission for over two years has generated significant scientific credibility for the platform. MiNK is expanding its pipeline into GvHD and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with a Phase II/III trial in ARDS supported by external funding and a Phase 2 gastric cancer trial expected to report top-line data by year-end [2].

For investors, the key catalysts include the Phase 2 gastric cancer trial results expected later this year, the GvHD Phase I trial initiation in Q3 2025, and the ARDS trial endpoints. Positive outcomes in these trials could validate AGENT-797's potential and attract partnership interest, positioning MiNK Therapeutics as a leader in next-generation cell therapies.

In conclusion, the upgrade by H.C. Wainwright underscores the potential of MiNK Therapeutics to deliver meaningful clinical results and create value for investors. With a strong pipeline, strategic funding, and a differentiated platform, MiNK Therapeutics offers a compelling investment thesis in the high-risk, high-reward biotech landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/mink-therapeutics-inkt-strategic-agent-797-oncology-immune-mediated-diseases-2508/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/mink-therapeutics-strategic-momentum-capital-raise-potential-high-stakes-biotech-landscape-2508/