TAT-STEP

TAT-STEP is a cell-permeable recombinant peptide biologic being developed by Zocentive (formerly Zocere) for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The peptide is a derivative of the brain-specific STriatal-Enriched Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (STEP), which is a key regulator of NMDAR-dependent neuronal injury. TAT-STEP is designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and constitutively bind to its substrates, thereby modulating NMDA receptor (NMDAR) downstream signaling to provide neuroprotection. Preclinical studies in rodent models have demonstrated that intravenous administration of the peptide reduces infarct size and improves motor and cognitive functions even when administered up to six hours after stroke onset.

Other names

STEP peptideSTEP-derived recombinant peptideZocentive stroke drug candidateZocere stroke drug candidate