Companies To Watch: Sonoma Biotherapeutics

By Wayne Koberstein, Executive Editor, Life Science Leader
Follow Me On Twitter @WayneKoberstein

Sonoma Biotherapeutics is developing a platform and products in cell therapy to treat and perhaps cure autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its “balanced” platform applies synthetic biology to regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells (Teffs) — genetically engineering special Tregs to quell inflammation and other T cells to weed out hyperactive Teffs that drive autoimmunity and inflammation. Sonoma’s lead pipeline product, coded SBT-77-7101, is an autologous T-cell therapy now in preparation for a Phase 1 trial to treat rheumatoid arthritis. A Phase 1 trial in healthy participants is studying SBT-11-5301, a Teff-modulating biologic. Another biotherapeutic, SBT-77-7200, employing engineered Tregs, is in preclinicals for IBD and other inflammatory conditions. Additional programs are pursuing cell therapies for diabetes.