Sana Biotechnology reported positive 6-month clinical results from its ongoing type 1 diabetes study, demonstrating that hypoimmune-modified pancreatic islet cells transplanted without immunosuppression can overcome immune recognition while continuing to function and persist with stable C-peptide production. The Seattle-based company announced these findings alongside its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 11, 2025.
Clinical Trial Results Show Promise for Immunosuppression-Free Treatment
The investigator-sponsored, first-in-human study evaluated UP421, an allogeneic primary islet cell therapy engineered with Sana's hypoimmune platform (HIP) technology, in a patient with type 1 diabetes. Results through 6 months after cell transplantation demonstrated the survival and function of pancreatic beta cells as measured by the presence of circulating C-peptide, a biomarker indicating that transplanted beta cells are producing insulin.
"C-peptide levels also increase with a mixed meal tolerance test during testing at these timepoints, consistent with insulin secretion in response to a meal," according to the company's announcement. Additionally, 12-week PET-MRI scanning demonstrated islet cells at the transplant site, while the study identified no safety issues and confirmed that the HIP-modified islet cells evaded immune detection.
The New England Journal of Medicine published the 12-week clinical results in an article titled "Survival of Transplanted Allogeneic Beta Cells with No Immunosuppression." Sana and Uppsala University Hospital presented 6-month data at the 85th Annual American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions and the World Transplant Congress 2025.
Regulatory Progress and Pipeline Development
Following a recent FDA INTERACT meeting, Sana expressed increased confidence in moving forward with its GMP master cell bank for SC451 and filing an investigational new drug application as early as 2026. SC451 represents an O-negative, HIP-modified, iPSC-derived pancreatic islet cell therapy currently in pre-clinical development.
"Type 1 diabetes affects over 9 million people worldwide, and we are positioned to deliver on our goal of a broadly accessible single treatment with no immunosuppression leading to long-term normal blood glucose without exogenous insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes," said Steve Harr, Sana's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Expanding Clinical Portfolio
The company is actively enrolling patients in two Phase 1 trials evaluating allogeneic CAR T cell therapies. The GLEAM trial is evaluating SC291, a HIP-modified CD19-directed allogeneic CAR T cell therapy, in patients with B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. The VIVID trial is assessing SC262, a HIP-modified CD22-directed allogeneic CAR T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed and/or refractory B-cell malignancies who have received prior CD19-directed CAR T therapy.
Sana expects to report clinical data from both studies in 2025 and plans to file an IND for SG299, which uses the company's fusogen platform for in vivo CAR T cell delivery, as early as 2026.
Financial Position and Capital Raise
The company raised aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $105 million through sales of common stock, including $75 million from a public offering in August 2025 and $29.5 million through its at-the-market offering facility. This funding extends Sana's expected cash runway into the second half of 2026, with a pro forma cash position of $177.2 million as of the second quarter 2025.
For the second quarter 2025, Sana reported a net loss of $93.8 million, or $0.39 per share, compared to $50.3 million, or $0.21 per share, for the same period in 2024. Research and development expenses decreased to $29.8 million from $60.9 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to portfolio prioritization initiatives announced in the fourth quarter of 2024.
