In a significant advancement for cancer therapy, Senti Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNTI), commonly known as Senti Bio, has received an $8 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicines (CIRM). This funding is earmarked for the clinical development of SENTI-202, a promising new cell therapy aimed at combating hematologic malignancies like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The Promising Future of SENTI-202
SENTI-202 represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, employing what’s known as Logic Gated off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy. Designed to target AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), SENTI-202’s novel approach utilizes a dual activation system. The OR GATE in the therapy activates upon detecting CD33 and FLT3 antigens on malignant cells, enabling the targeting and destruction of both leukemic blasts and stem cells which are pivotal in the progression of AML.
Moreover, the NOT GATE is engineered to recognize and spare healthy cells, thus reducing the collateral damage often associated with cancer treatments. The inclusion of calibrated-release IL-15 technology not only boosts the persistence, expansion, and activity of the therapeutic NK cells but also enhances the host’s immune response, promising a more effective and sustained assault on cancer cells.
Clinical Trials and Expectations
The ongoing Phase 1 trial (NCT06325748) is critical, as it continues to enroll adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic malignancies across multiple sites in the United States and Australia. The trial is meticulously designed to assess the safety and efficacy of two dosing levels of SENTI-202, administered in successive weekly cycles following lymphodepleting conditioning.
Initial efficacy results are anticipated by the end of 2024, with durability data expected in 2025. “We are immensely grateful for CIRM’s support, which not only acknowledges the potential of SENTI-202 in improving patient outcomes but also fuels our ongoing efforts,” remarked Dr. Timothy Lu, CEO and Co-Founder of Senti Bio.
About Acute Myeloid Leukemia
AML is the most prevalent acute leukemia in adults, with an estimated 20,800 new cases expected in the United States this year alone. Despite advancements, the prognosis for relapsed or refractory AML remains grim, with a median survival of less than seven months for these patients, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments like SENTI-202.
A Broader Vision
Senti Bio isn’t just stopping at cancer. With a robust pipeline of off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapies equipped with Gene Circuits, the company is also exploring their potential in other challenging oncological and non-oncological diseases. Collaborations with leaders like Spark Therapeutics and BlueRock Therapeutics further underscore Senti Bio’s commitment to revolutionizing treatment paradigms across a spectrum of diseases.
As Senti Bio strides forward with its visionary approach, the biotech community watches eagerly, hopeful that today’s research will lead to tomorrow’s cures. With the support of CIRM and the continued dedication of Senti Bio’s team, a new era of cancer therapy is on the horizon, promising better outcomes for patients grappling with some of the most challenging diseases of our time.
