Jennifer Buell: Pioneering Leadership in Biotechnology

Dr. Jennifer Buell is a prominent figure in the biotechnology industry, currently serving as the President and CEO of MiNK Therapeutics, as well as being on the executive council and Board of Directors at Agenus.

With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to bringing new therapies from the lab to patients.

Dr. Jennifer Buell’s journey of Leadership

Before her time at MiNK Therapeutics, Dr. Buell was the President and Chief Operating Officer at Agenus, where she played a vital role in transforming the company from focusing solely on neoantigen vaccines to becoming a fully integrated global biotech leader.

Her leadership encompassed many areas, including research, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercial operations, and she was instrumental in building strong partnerships that helped establish Agenus as a key player in the field.

“As for me, having witnessed the dismembering brutality of this barbaric disease, I’ve dedicated my life to finding treatments that are not only more effective but also more friendly to patients,” said Dr. Buell. “Through my work Agenus and MiNK Therapeutics I’ve been on the front lines of cancer research, committed to minimize its impact and bring better treatment options to those affected.”

Dr. Jennifer Buell also has a rich background in research and development, having worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Harvard Clinical Research Institute (Baim). In those roles, she helped shape strategies for various clinical programs backed by both industry and government.

She holds a PhD in Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Biochemistry, as well as an MS in Biostatistics, both from Tufts University. Dr. Buell’s blend of expertise and dedication to improving healthcare makes her a significant contributor to the biotechnology community.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Buell is passionate about mentoring and is committed to helping develop the next generation of leaders in the industry. She strongly advocates for innovation and patient-centered solutions, emphasizing that healthcare should be accessible to everyone.

Dr. Jennifer Buell is a dedicated participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), an annual bike-a-thon that raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Beyond this event, she actively supports various charities to raise awareness about cancer. Through her efforts, Dr. Buell inspires others to join the fight against this disease, exemplifying community spirit and resilience.

“For me, the Pan Mass Challenge is a deeply personal fight. I ride to eliminate the premature loss of so many important lives, to stand with our fighters, to illuminate hope, and to serve as a soldier against cancer, supporting those in their journey, and all the brave souls in between.” Dr. Jennifer Buell mentioned on a LinkedIn post.

 

Dr. Buell has been recognized as one of the “100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024” by OncoDaily.

“Your immunity is living medicine that can save lives, today.” During this TED Talk, Dr. Buell discusses how diseases caused by a defective immune system are prevalent and life-altering, and explores how transplanting potent immune cells from healthy donors can help eliminate these diseases.

About MiNK Therapeutics

MiNK Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Agenus, is a cutting-edge clinical-stage company developing innovative allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapies for cancer and immune-mediated diseases. The lead product is an off-the-shelf therapy administered without lymphodepletion or HLA matching. These cells enhance both innate and adaptive immunity by combining the potent cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells with the lasting memory response of T cells.

“MiNK’s pioneering iNKT cell platform leverages dual-mechanism immune cells to enhance outcomes in cancer and respiratory distress.” says Dr, Jennifer Buell

Since its establishment in 2021, MiNK has treated over 70 patients with solid tumors and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with exceptional efficacy. Moreover, MiNK has shown the potential to engineer and edit these cells for precision targeting, further advancing their therapeutic potential.

Earlier this year, MiNK Therapeutics announced that the First Refractory Gastric Cancer patient has been dosed in a Phase 2 trial. This trial explores a novel combination of MiNK’s allogeneic agenT-797 (iNKT cell) therapy with Agenus’ botensilimab and balstilimab. The study is being conducted in partnership with Dr. Yelena Janjigian at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

About Agenus

Agenus Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the discovery and development of therapies that engage the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, Agenus has built a diverse pipeline of immune-modulating antibodies, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies.

The company’s approach to cancer immunotherapy is multifaceted, encompassing checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and adjuvants. Botensilimab, the company’s lead candidate, exemplifies its commitment to developing innovative immunotherapies to address unmet medical needs in oncology.

The promising efficacy data and favorable safety profile make botensilimab a potential breakthrough in oncology. It is highlighted in OncoDaily’s “10 Most Promising Cancer Drugs Not Yet Approved: Solid Tumors – 2024 edition.”

Find more information about Agenus here

In conclusion, Dr. Jennifer Buell’s dedication to mentorship and advocacy for patient-centered solutions underscores her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. With her extensive experience and strong educational background, Dr. Buell continues to inspire innovation and drive meaningful change in the fight against disease.