ST-36

ST-36 is a first-in-class, cell-penetrating D-peptide antagonist developed by Sapience Therapeutics to target the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ). Originally licensed from Columbia University, ST-36 is designed to disrupt the dimerization and DNA-binding activity of C/EBPβ, a protein that is often overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other solid tumors, where it promotes tumor cell survival, proliferation, and the mesenchymal transition. By inhibiting this previously "undruggable" transcription factor, ST-36 induces apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ST-36 served as the lead preclinical candidate for Sapience's oncology program, providing the foundation for the clinical-stage derivative ST101.