Senti Bio Awarded California Institute for Regenerative Medicines (CIRM) Grant for Clinical Development of Logic Gated CAR-NK Cell Therapy

Core Insights - Senti Biosciences, Inc. has received an $8 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to support the clinical development of its investigational cell therapy SENTI-202 for treating relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [1][2] - The ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of SENTI-202 is evaluating two dose levels (1 billion or 1.5 billion cells) and aims to provide initial efficacy data by the end of 2024 and durability data in 2025 [1][2] Company Overview - Senti Bio is focused on developing next-generation cell and gene therapies using its proprietary Gene Circuit platform, which aims to enhance precision and control in targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy cells [6] - The company is leveraging off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells outfitted with Gene Circuits to address challenging liquid and solid tumor indications [6] Product Details - SENTI-202 is designed to selectively target and eliminate CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic malignancies, such as AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), while protecting healthy bone marrow cells [3] - The therapy incorporates an OR GATE for activating CAR targeting CD33 and FLT3, a NOT GATE to protect healthy cells, and calibrated-release IL-15 technology to enhance cell persistence and activity [3] Clinical Trial Information - The Phase 1 trial (NCT06325748) is currently enrolling adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD33 and/or FLT3 expressing hematologic malignancies at multiple sites in the U.S. and Australia [2][3] - Patients may receive multiple treatment cycles based on safety and efficacy data, with each cycle consisting of three doses administered weekly [2] Market Context - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults, with an estimated 20,800 new cases in the U.S. in 2024 and a five-year survival rate of approximately 30% [5] - Current treatment options for relapsed or refractory AML are limited, with a median overall survival of less than seven months [5]