Senti Bio Doses First Patient in SN301A Liver Cancer Trial with Celest Therapeutics

Senti Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company at the forefront of developing innovative cell and gene therapies, has announced a significant milestone in its clinical research efforts. The company, in collaboration with Celest Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, has initiated a dose-finding clinical trial in mainland China for SN301A, a new therapeutic candidate aimed at treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This trial marks the first time a patient has been dosed with SN301A, which is an advanced product manufactured by Celest in China under the name SENTI-301A, based on Senti Bio’s proprietary Gene Circuit technology.

SN301A is a chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy designed to target tumors expressing the glypican 3 (GPC3) antigen, prevalent in 70% to 90% of liver cancers. The therapy includes the innovative use of anti-GPC3 and crIL-15 components, making it capable of stimulating immune response and promoting the expansion and persistence of CAR-NK cells. This treatment leverages the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, offering a promising new approach to treating solid tumors.

The clinical trial, spearheaded by Celest, will explore the safety, pharmacokinetics, and initial anti-tumor activities of SN301A across different dose levels. It is an investigator-initiated, open-label, single-center study that will administer three cycles of the treatment over a 28-day period, following a standard lymphodepletion conditioning regimen. A key aspect of the study will be assessing the safety through monitoring for adverse reactions and identifying any dose-limiting toxicities. Efficacy will be measured using established response criteria for liver cancer.

Senti Bio, under the leadership of CEO Timothy Lu, MD, PhD, is optimistic about the trial's potential, viewing it as a testament to the strategic partnership with Celest. The collaboration exemplifies the rapid development of Senti Bio’s Gene Circuit technology and highlights the partnership's role in advancing potential treatments for patients with limited therapeutic options. The trial not only aims to demonstrate the clinical viability of SN301A in treating HCC but also seeks to open new avenues for addressing other solid tumors with high unmet medical needs.

Erdong Hua, Chairman of Celest, emphasized the significance of SN301A’s development in addressing liver cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Asia, particularly in China, where more than 40% of global cases are reported. The partnership between Senti Bio and Celest aims to address this unmet medical need and improve outcomes for patients suffering from this aggressive disease.

Additionally, there is potential to expand the clinical development of SN301A beyond mainland China to regions such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Senti Bio retains the rights to develop and commercialize SENTI-301A outside these areas, indicating potential future regional and global impact.

Senti Biosciences continues to innovate in the field of cell and gene therapy, utilizing its Gene Circuit platform to refine treatments for both liquid and solid tumors. This platform allows for precise targeting and control over drug expression, promising advanced therapeutic solutions for diseases previously deemed incurable. Through its ongoing collaborations and research efforts, Senti Bio is poised to make significant strides in the treatment of cancer and potentially other diseases, leveraging its cutting-edge biotechnology capabilities.