Step Pharma

Step Pharma is a clinical-stage oncology company pioneering the development of CTPS1 inhibitors, a novel therapeutic approach targeting a critical enzyme in nucleotide synthesis. The company's lead candidate, dencatistat (STP938), is a first-in-class, oral, selective inhibitor entering clinical trials with an initial focus on lymphomas and solid tumors like ovarian cancer. Step Pharma's strategy leverages a synthetic lethal approach, particularly targeting cancers with loss of the CTPS2 isoform, aiming for a selective and potentially safer cancer therapy. The company is privately held and operates from its base in the Lyon biotech hub.

First-in-class, highly selective small molecule inhibitors of CTPS1 (Cytidine 5'-Triphosphate Synthase 1), exploiting synthetic lethality in cancer cells with loss of CTPS2 expression.

As a first-in-class CTPS1 inhibitor, dencatistat has no direct competitors targeting the same specific enzyme isoform. However, it competes broadly with other targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and emerging modalities in lymphoma and solid tumors. Its success depends on demonstrating superior efficacy or safety within its biomarker-defined niche.