CS18

CS18 is a novel hybrid homo-aza (lactam) steroidal antimetabolite designed for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, specifically pancreatic and colorectal cancers. It belongs to a class of steroidal conjugates that aim to enhance selectivity and improve toxicokinetics compared to conventional antimetabolites such as 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate. CS18 functions as a dual inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), enzymes essential for nucleotide biosynthesis. By inhibiting these targets, CS18 disrupts DNA synthesis, induces apoptosis, and causes cell cycle arrest. Preclinical evaluations in human cancer cell lines have demonstrated its potent cytostatic activity.