On August 4, 2021 Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNSE), an immunotherapy company focused on the discovery and development of next generation therapeutics for cancer, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided recent corporate updates, including new in vivo data from the company’s SNS-VISTA program (Press release, Sensei Biotherapeutics, AUG 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234585731]).
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"The second quarter of 2021 was an important one for Sensei as we advanced our next-generation ImmunoPhage platform technology based on critical learnings from our first generation ImmunoPhage and expanded our R&D footprint and capabilities. We also continue to make important strides toward the clinic with our SNS-VISTA program," said John Celebi, president and chief executive officer of Sensei Biotherapeutics. "As we enter the third quarter of 2021, we are in a strong cash position to progress our development programs. By leveraging the synergies of these programs, our goal is to generate tumor-specific T-cells through our ImmunoPhage platform and to unleash the full potential of tumor-specific T-cells through our TMAb platform. We are looking forward to sharing additional data and to announcing new programs."
Sensei also announced today early in vivo data from its SNS-VISTA program. VISTA is recognized as an important immune checkpoint regulator. Disrupting the interaction of VISTA and its receptor on T-cells, known as PSGL1, has been shown to enhance T-cell activation and tumor cell killing. The VISTA-PSGL1 T-cell checkpoint is activated under low pH conditions such as the tumor microenvironment. Sensei’s research team has identified a set of fully-human, highly selective, pH-dependent anti-VISTA antibodies. In a human VISTA knock-in mouse model, these parental antibodies significantly enhanced anti-tumor responses in combination with PD-1 blockade compared to treatment with PD-1 blockade alone. Based on these nonclinical data, the company plans to initiate IND-enabling studies with a lead candidate and present data at a scientific conference by the end of 2021.
"Since the inception of our SNS-VISTA program, we have believed the key to unlocking the power of this immune checkpoint is to design an antibody that selectively binds and blocks VISTA at low pH levels in the tumor microenvironment," said Robert Pierce, MD, chief scientific officer of Sensei Biotherapeutics. "This pH-driven, tumor-selective approach is an important feature of our VISTA platform due to high levels of expression on blood cells at physiologic pH. Thus, blood represents a significant pharmacokinetic sink, which can hinder distribution into the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we believe that by engineering pH-sensitivity into our VISTA antibody, the safety profile may be improved by limiting on-target and off-tumor binding and activity. We believe these nonclinical data are an important proof point for our platform. We look forward to selecting a lead candidate and moving into IND-enabling studies."
Recent Updates and Second Quarter Highlights:
Strengthened Board of Directors and Immuno-Oncology Advisory Board – In August, Sensei announced that it appointed Kristian Humer as an independent director to its Board. Additionally, in the second quarter, Sensei announced the addition of Jessie English, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors and Maura Gillison, M.D. and Richard Ulevitch, Ph.D. to its Immuno-Oncology Advisory Board.
Prioritized pipeline toward next-generation platform programs – In June, Sensei announced its decision to reprioritize its resources toward its pipeline of next generation product candidates, including: its multi-antigenic next generation ImmunoPhage candidate SNS-401-NG, which uses an optimized antigen linkage technology developed at Sensei; its monoclonal antibody SNS-VISTA (V-set Immunoglobulin Domain Suppressor of T cell Activation) candidate; and complete discovery work for its VSIG4 (V-Set And Immunoglobulin Domain Containing 4) TMAb program. As part of the company’s prioritization, it discontinued development of SNS-301, a first-generation, single-antigen ImmunoPhage that expressed a fragment of the tumor-associated antigen, human aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH).
Strengthened TMAb (Tumor Microenvironment Antibody Biologics) platform – In July, Sensei expanded the scope of its collaboration with AdiMab, LLC to include additional antibody campaigns focused on the generation of human monoclonal antibodies for its next generation pH sensitive antibody programs.
Selected Contract manufacturer (CDMO) for SNS-VISTA – In July, Sensei selected a CDMO for the manufacture of GMP-grade material to advance its SNS-VISTA program toward clinical studies.
Expanded Operational Footprint – In June, Sensei expanded its research footprint by adding an additional 5,000 square feet of laboratory space at its 451D Street Boston headquarters. The additional lab space will support the advancement of Sensei technologies used for the discovery of nanobodies used in its ImmunoPhage platform or as standalone therapeutics.
Upcoming Program Milestones:
Sensei is focused on progressing novel product candidates generated from both its ImmunoPhage platform and Phortress Library, and TMAb platform. Sensei’s Phortress Library of Immunophages, derived from antigens found across multiple patient populations and tumor types, enables a personalized, yet off-the-shelf therapeutic option to patients.
TMAb (Tumor Microenvironment Antibody Biologics) Platform
VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is an immune checkpoint that inhibits anti-tumor immune responses. VISTA may play a role in both intrinsic and acquired PD-1/PD-L1 resistance.
Sensei plans to select a lead product candidate, to present nonclinical data at a scientific conference and to initiate IND-enabling studies by the end of 2021.
VSIG4 (V-Set and Immunoglobulin Domain Containing 4) is a B7-family related protein and a potent inhibitor of T-cell activity, often overexpressed on macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. VSIG4 may play a role in enforcing the immunosuppressive program in macrophage-rich tumors. Inhibition of VSIG4 activity could also enhance T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses.
Sensei plans to select a product candidate from this program in 2023.
ImmunoPhage Platform
SNS-401-NG is a potential first-in-class, multi-antigenic personalized ImmunoPhage candidate being developed in collaboration with the University of Washington. The first clinical application is directed to the treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive form of skin cancer commonly driven by the Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus. Once clinical proof of concept is achieved, Sensei plans to evaluate a broader basket study in patients with head and neck cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and triple negative breast cancer based on the prevalence of Phortress antigens.
Sensei intends to initiate IND-enabling studies for this product candidate in the second half of 2022.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Cash Position – Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $162.5 million as of June 30, 2021, as compared to $16.6 million as of December 31, 2020. Sensei expects the current cash balance to fund operations at least into the first half of 2024.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses – R&D expenses were $5.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, compared to $2.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily attributable to increased headcount to support Sensei’s research, development, and manufacturing activities.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses – G&A expenses were $3.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, compared to $1.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily attributable to higher personnel costs, including stock-based compensation expense, and costs associated with operating as a public company.
Net Loss – Net loss was $9.8 million, for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, compared to $4.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.