Researchers from Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc. presented preclinical data for the novel CD28xVISTA bispecific antibody (BsAb), SNS-201, being developed for the treatment of prostate cancer.
An increasingly popular target across varied cancer types is the immune system regulator V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), where a number of developers have taken early stage aim – among them Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., with SNS-101, which Wainwright analyst Edward White believes could be the first anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody approved as a therapeutic agent. But there’s plenty of work ahead.
Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc. has entered into a sponsored research agreement with Washington University in St. Louis to support development of SNS-101, a conditionally active V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA)-blocking antibody.
Shares of Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASADQ:SNSE) fell 16% to $9.10 on June 29 after an announcement by President and CEO John Celebi that the antigen display technology used in its prior lead candidate, SNS-301, "is suboptimal for use in an active cancer vaccine." A phase I/II trial evaluating it will be discontinued, he said. Now, work on a next-generation vaccine, SNS-401-NG, and the monoclonal antibody SNS-VISTA will take precedence in a portfolio reprioritization at the company, with IND-enabling studies for the anti-VISTA program planned to start by the end of 2021 and for the next-gen vaccine in second half of 2022.
Of the three companies launching IPOs Feb. 4, one struggled mightily, another posted double-digit gains while the third ended the day flat. Shares of Landos Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ:LABP) dropped 25%, to $12 each, on their first day of trading. Sana Biotechnology Inc. (NASDAQ:SANA) had the strongest first day of trading as shares closed 40.4% higher at the close at $35.10. Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SNSE) saw its IPO launch roughly break even on its first day of trading, closing with only a half-point gain at $18.90.
With the FDA approval of Keytruda (pembrolizumab, Merck & Co. Inc.) in the front-line setting of metastatic or unresectable, recurrent head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma, the space has become a race to develop drugs using a variety of mechanisms of action to improve the efficacy of the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody.
