Sensei Biotherapeutics (SNSE) 2024 Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference summary

Company overview and platform focus

• Focuses on conditionally active antibodies that act specifically within tumors, leveraging pH sensitivity for reversible binding and reduced toxicity.

• Lead program is in Phase 1b of a Phase 1/2 study, with key data announced at ASCO and more expected by year-end.

• Platform includes both monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, with a unique approach to minimize off-tumor effects.

Lead program and target rationale

• Lead target is VISTA, chosen for its immunosuppressive role in tumors and synergy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition.

• Previous VISTA-targeting antibodies faced toxicity (CRS) and short half-life; the current approach aims to overcome these issues.

• pH-sensitive design allows for tumor-specific activity and improved pharmacokinetics.

Clinical trial design and results

• Phase 1/2 study includes dose escalation (monotherapy and combo with Libtayo) and dose expansion.

• No dose-limiting toxicities observed; only mild, target-engagement CRS, and a significantly improved antibody half-life (weeks vs. days).

• Early signs of in-tumor activity seen even in patients with cold tumors, which are typically unresponsive to PD-1 therapy.

• Dose expansion is testing 3 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, with both doses expected to be pharmacologically relevant.