CS23

CS23 is a novel hybrid homo-aza (lactam) steroidal antimetabolite being investigated for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers. It acts as a dual inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), two key enzymes in the folate metabolic pathway essential for DNA synthesis. By combining a steroidal scaffold with an antimetabolite moiety, CS23 is designed to improve selectivity and overcome resistance mechanisms associated with traditional agents like 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate. Preclinical data indicate that CS23 exhibits potent cytostatic and cytocidal effects, induces G1/S phase cell cycle arrest, and triggers apoptosis in multiple cancer cell lines.