Senti Bio Secures CIRM Grant for SENTI-202 Clinical Development

Aug. 05, 2024 -- Senti Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNTI) ("Senti Bio"), a biotech firm pioneering advanced cell and gene therapies via its unique Gene Circuit platform, has announced the initiation of an $8 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicines (CIRM). According to the agreement with CIRM, the initial segment of the grant will be disbursed in August 2024.

The grant from CIRM is intended to bolster the ongoing clinical research of SENTI-202, a groundbreaking off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy under investigation, aimed at treating relapsed/refractory (r/r) hematologic cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Phase 1 clinical trial for SENTI-202 (NCT06325748) is actively enrolling adult patients in the United States and Australia who have r/r CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic cancers, including AML. Preliminary efficacy data are expected by the end of 2024, with initial durability data projected for 2025.

SENTI-202 is an off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapy candidate engineered to precisely target and eradicate CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic malignancies such as AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), while sparing healthy bone marrow cells. The composition of SENTI-202 includes three key elements. Initially, the OR GATE functions as an activating CAR targeting CD33 and FLT3, potentially annihilating both leukemic blasts and stem cells that contribute to AML. Additionally, the NOT GATE identifies and shields healthy cells from destruction. Finally, calibrated-release IL-15 technology is incorporated to enhance the persistence, expansion, and activity of both CAR-NK and host immune cells. The NK cells used for SENTI-202 are derived from rigorously screened healthy adult donors and cryopreserved before manufacturing to ensure consistency.

Senti Bio is presently enrolling adult patients with r/r CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic malignancies in a Phase 1 clinical trial for SENTI-202, which holds promise as a pioneering allogenic treatment for AML/MDS patients. Preclinical data published by Senti Bio has showcased the potential of Logic Gated CAR-NK cell therapy in treating AML.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood and bone marrow cancer, and the most prevalent acute leukemia in adults. Projections indicate that there will be 20,800 new AML cases in the United States in 2024. The five-year survival rate for AML patients stands at approximately 30%. Current AML treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants. For those with relapsed or refractory AML, treatment options are limited, and median overall survival is typically less than seven months.

Senti Bio is at the forefront of developing next-generation cell and gene therapies to aid patients with incurable diseases. Utilizing its synthetic biology platform, Gene Circuits, Senti Bio aims to create therapies that offer enhanced precision and control. These Gene Circuits are engineered to specifically target and destroy cancer cells, spare healthy cells, and manage drug expression post-administration. Senti Bio's pipeline focuses on off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells equipped with Gene Circuits to target complex liquid and solid tumor cases. The company has also demonstrated Gene Circuits' potential across various modalities and non-oncology diseases, advancing these through partnerships with entities like Spark Therapeutics and BlueRock Therapeutics.

CIRM was established to expedite the delivery of stem cell treatments to patients with critical medical needs. Partnering with academia and industry, CIRM aims to fast-track the development of promising stem cell technologies. With $5.5 billion in funding and over 150 active stem cell programs, CIRM is one of the largest global institutions dedicated to advancing cellular medicine.