SNAP-CAR
SNAP Biosciences is developing a novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cell therapy called SNAP-CAR that overcomes several limitations of traditional CAR technology.
At its core, SNAP-CAR utilizes a “universal” CAR system that combines the dynamic and cost-effective advantages of antibodies with the therapeutic power and “off-the-shelf” compatibility of NK cells. The modular and cost-effective nature of SNAP-CAR combined with our allogeneic immune effector cell generation platform, positions SNAP Biosciences as a future leader in the cell therapy space.
Discover SNAP-CAR
There are three major components to SNAP-CAR.
Our truly “off-the-shelf” NK cells
Our NK cells are derived from CD34+ stem cells that are obtained from pooled-donor umbilical cord blood units.
SNAP-CAR Receptor
SNAP-CAR resembles a second-generation CAR prototype with a “Tag Molecule” as the extracellular domain instead of the traditional scFv.
Chemically Modified FDA-Approved mAbs
We chemically modify FDA-approved antibodies so that they form a covalent bond to the “Tag Molecule” of SNAP-CAR without impacting their antigen recognition capacity.
How does it work?
First we genetically engineer our off-the-shelf effector cells to express SNAP-CAR and then expand to produce a large number.
SNAP-CAR effectors are then cryopreserved as several doses for future use.
When a patient is ready for infusion, SNAP-CAR cells are thawed and co-infused with an appropriate tagged-mAb based on the expression of targetable antigens.
Within the patient’s body, the tagged-mAb will form a covalent bond with SNAP-CAR, drawing the effector cell to target cells and stimulating cytotoxic activity.
SNAP-CAR Overcomes Limitations of Traditional CAR Technology
SNAP-CAR overcomes key limitations of traditional CAR therapies by offering flexibility, scalability, and multi-antigen targeting. Learn more, below.
SNAP-CAR has a highly modular design.
Since SNAP-CAR uses antibodies to recognize antigens, altering the target-specificity is as easy as administering a different antibody. Even more powerful is that the fact, by administering MULTIPLE antibodies, a single SNAP-CAR cell therapy can target multiple antigens at once.
This is incredibly advantageous as it provides a simple method to increase the proportion of the tumor that is targeted and killed, directly combatting antigen-escape and antigen-negative recurrence – a major problem with traditional CAR therapy.
SNAP-CAR cell activity can be “tuned up” or “tuned down”.
One of the main issues with traditional CAR cells is toxicities due to hyperactivity. Well, since the immunological activity of SNAP-CAR cells is dependent on the presence of the targeting antibody, by titrating the concentration of the antibody, we can – in theory – control the activity of the cells:
- Increasing the concentration to boost SNAP-CAR activity – enabling real-time augmentation of therapeutic potential,
- Decreasing for less activity – which enables more control over toxicities.
A SINGLE cell product can be used to treat a vast array of different disease types.
With SNAP-CAR, a SINGLE cell product is engineered and cryopreserved. Then, to treat a CD19-positive lymphoma, co-administer the cells with a CD19 antibody. HER2 breast cancer? Co-administer with a HER2 antibody.
Since the production of antibodies is much easier and cheaper than CAR-cell products, the costs and manufacturing complexities associated with the production of SNAP-CAR is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than traditional CAR platforms. This enables rapid and robust pipeline expansion for a fraction of the cost as traditional CAR technology.
Visit our Investor Hub
SNAP Biosciences presents a compelling investment opportunity in the rapidly evolving field of cancer therapeutics. Our mission is to develop advanced, best-in-class cell therapies that address critical limitations of traditional CAR technology, offering innovative solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. By leveraging cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs and the extensive expertise of our team, we are strategically positioned to revolutionize cancer treatment.
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