Turning cancer cell dependencies into targeted therapies

Today I’m delighted to welcome Andy Parker, CEO of Step Pharma.With over 25 years of experience across AstraZeneca, Shire, Zealand Pharma, andventure capital, Andy has led Step Pharma since 2019. The company is pioneeringa targeted approach to cancer and blood disorders by inhibiting the enzymeCTPS1. Their lead candidate, dencatistat, blocks this pathway that certaincancer cells and activated immune cells rely on, while sparing healthy cellsthat use the related CTPS2 enzyme.In this episode, we’ll dive into the science behind this mechanism, explore StepPharma’s expanding pipeline from lymphomas and solid tumours to essentialthrombocythaemia, and discuss their recent €38 million Series C financing.We’ll also look ahead to the future of precision oncology.01:17 Meet Andy Parker06:12 The biotech ecosystem around Geneva07:51 The CTPS1 enzyme and why cancer cells depend on it14:08 Pipeline-in-a-product strategy across three indications20:14 The series C: €38 million raise25:41 Partnering with big pharma: possibilities and limits28:11 The future of precision oncology and metabolic targetingInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: Step Pharma and Concr to partner on cancer treatmentStep Pharma moves into oncology clinical trialsStep Pharma announces promising pre-clinical cancer data