STA1

STA1 is a botanical new drug candidate developed by Sinphar Pharmaceutical, derived from natural plant material, specifically standardized extracts of *Cistanche tubulosa*. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, as well as for broader applications in brain health and vitality. The drug has received Phase 2 clinical trial approvals from both the U.S. FDA and the Taiwan FDA (TFDA). Clinical studies have investigated STA1 both as a monotherapy and as an add-on treatment to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil. Its mechanism of action involves neuroprotective effects, potentially through the reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, attributed to active constituents such as phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., echinacoside and acteoside).