Sesen Bio (SESN) formerly Eleven Biotherapeutics
Sesen Bio, formerly Eleven Biotherapeutics, is a late clinical stage oncology-focused biotech company. Vicinium, an EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule)-targeted recombinant fusion protein, in Phase III study as a potential 2nd-line therapy for in Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is the lead value driver. Vicinium could potentially become one of the leading developments in NMIBC. In addition to direct targeting the EpCAM-expressing cancer cells, Vicinium also has a second mechanism of action of cell killing by enhancing the local anti-tumor immune response. Vicinium is currently in a Phase III (VISTA) study with topline results expected in 2Q19. In addition to being a single agent as a potential 2nd-line NMIBC therapy, NCI is also conducting a Phase I study evaluating Vicinium plus PD L-1 inhibitor ((Imfinzi from AZN) as potential 1st-line NMIBC therapy. The intralesional delivered Vicinium (formerly Proxinium) also has shown efficacy in treating late stage head and neck cancer (SCCHN). Further, EBIO has a second immunotoxin, VB6-845d, which can be delivered systemically; and the drug currently is in preclinical development.