Tearsheet

Starton Therapeutics (STA)


Market Price (1/15/2026): $272.99 | Market Cap: $8.3 Bil
Sector: Health Care | Industry: Biotechnology

Starton Therapeutics (STA)


Market Price (1/15/2026): $272.99
Market Cap: $8.3 Bil
Sector: Health Care
Industry: Biotechnology

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.


0 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more.
Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -18%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -45%
Very low revenue
Rev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0
1   Not profitable at operating income level
Op Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -11 Mil
2   Key risks
STA key risks include [1] its business model revolving around reformulating off-patent drugs with limited proprietary drug intellectual property and [2] its thin capitalization and lack of major institutional life science investors.
0 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more.
1 Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -18%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -45%
2 Very low revenue
Rev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0
3 Not profitable at operating income level
Op Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -11 Mil
4 Key risks
STA key risks include [1] its business model revolving around reformulating off-patent drugs with limited proprietary drug intellectual property and [2] its thin capitalization and lack of major institutional life science investors.

Valuation, Metrics & Events

STA Stock


Why The Stock Moved


Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Starton Therapeutics (symbol: STA) exhibited a 0% stock movement from October 31, 2025, to January 15, 2026, primarily because its shares were not publicly traded on an exchange during that period.

1. Starton Therapeutics (STA) was in the process of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) but had not yet commenced public trading. The company filed to raise $40 million in an IPO of its common stock in December 2025, with plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol STA.

2. Public trading data for STA was unavailable during the specified timeframe. Stock charts and trading information for Starton Holdings (STA) consistently showed "Chart not available yet. Data will show when the stock starts trading," indicating no active trading during the period from October 31, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

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Market Drivers

10/31/2025 to 1/14/2026
ReturnCorrelation
STA0.0% 
Market (SPY)1.2%
Sector (XLV)9.4%

Fundamental Drivers

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Market Drivers

7/31/2025 to 1/14/2026
ReturnCorrelation
STA0.0% 
Market (SPY)9.5%
Sector (XLV)21.6%

Fundamental Drivers

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Market Drivers

1/31/2025 to 1/14/2026
ReturnCorrelation
STA0.0% 
Market (SPY)15.7%
Sector (XLV)8.9%

Fundamental Drivers

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Market Drivers

1/31/2023 to 1/14/2026
ReturnCorrelation
STA31.6% 
Market (SPY)76.2%28.5%
Sector (XLV)23.9%28.3%

Return vs. Risk


Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
STA Return14%22%4%29%--87%
Peers Return-23%-38%-11%-22%25%6%-55%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%2%85%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
STA Win Rate58%58%58%75%-- 
Peers Win Rate40%37%43%48%48%60% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%100% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
STA Max Drawdown-4%-2%-14%0%-- 
Peers Max Drawdown-39%-58%-52%-51%-25%-4% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-1%-25%-1%-2%-15%0% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: HALO, XERS, HRTX, EGRX, PACB.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 1/14/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

Unique KeyEventSTAS&P 500
2022 Inflation Shock2022 Inflation Shock  
2022 Inflation Shock% Loss% Loss-19.8%-25.4%
2022 Inflation Shock% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven24.7%34.1%
2022 Inflation ShockTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven58 days464 days
2020 Covid Pandemic2020 Covid Pandemic  
2020 Covid Pandemic% Loss% Loss-42.2%-33.9%
2020 Covid Pandemic% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven73.0%51.3%
2020 Covid PandemicTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven301 days148 days
2018 Correction2018 Correction  
2018 Correction% Loss% Loss-24.9%-19.8%
2018 Correction% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven33.2%24.7%
2018 CorrectionTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven172 days120 days
2008 Global Financial Crisis2008 Global Financial Crisis  
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Loss% Loss-46.3%-56.8%
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven86.1%131.3%
2008 Global Financial CrisisTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven755 days1,480 days

Compare to HALO, XERS, HRTX, EGRX, PACB

In The Past

Starton Therapeutics's stock fell -19.8% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 3/25/2022. A -19.8% loss requires a 24.7% gain to breakeven.

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About Starton Therapeutics (STA)

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, and program managers. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here is an analogy to describe Starton Therapeutics:

  • Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for optimized cancer drug delivery.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • STAR-LLD: A low-dose, continuous oral formulation of lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
  • STAR-OLZ: A transdermal olanzapine system designed for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

AI Analysis | Feedback

Starton Therapeutics (STA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for cancer and rare diseases. As a clinical-stage company, Starton Therapeutics does not currently have any approved products on the market and, therefore, does not generate revenue from product sales.

Consequently, Starton Therapeutics does not currently have "major customers" in the traditional sense of entities purchasing its commercial products. The company's primary activities involve research and development of its product candidates (such as STAR-LLD and STAR-OLZ) and securing funding for these developmental efforts.

Should its product candidates receive regulatory approval in the future, Starton Therapeutics expects to generate revenue from product sales, likely through established pharmaceutical distribution channels. These channels would typically involve sales to pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, ultimately serving patients. The company may also enter into licensing or collaboration agreements with other pharmaceutical companies for the commercialization of its products in certain territories, which could involve upfront payments, milestones, and royalties.

AI Analysis | Feedback

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AI Analysis | Feedback

Pedro Lichtinger, Chairman & CEO

Mr. Lichtinger is an industry executive with over 40 years of experience in biotechnology. He has a proven track record of developing turnaround and financing strategies, executing strategic alliances, and building commercial and R&D capabilities. He founded Starton Therapeutics around 2017. Prior to Starton, he served as President and CEO of Asterias Biotherapeutics and Optimer Pharmaceuticals. He also spent 16 years at Pfizer Inc, holding positions as President of Global Primary Care and President of Europe. Mr. Lichtinger holds an MBA from Wharton School of Business and an engineering degree from the National University of Mexico.

Scott Kahn, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Kahn is a seasoned financial leader with over 35 years of experience across diverse organizations, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Before joining Starton Therapeutics, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Milestone Scientific, Inc.. His experience also includes consulting engagements as Corporate Controller for Aquestive Therapeutics and Regional Controller for Phibro Animal Health. Prior to Milestone Scientific, Mr. Kahn was CFO and Vice President of Diopsys for approximately 15 years, where he oversaw accounting, finance, human resources, and investor relations.

Jamie Oliver, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Oliver serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Starton Therapeutics.

Andy Rensink, Chief Manufacturing Officer

Mr. Rensink holds the position of Chief Manufacturing Officer at Starton Therapeutics.

Shannon Wisniewski, Executive Director Business Development & Program Management

Ms. Wisniewski is an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with over 15 years of experience in research, clinical development, program management, and business development. Before joining Starton, she held key roles at Clinical Genomics and Eli Lilly and Company, where she was involved in global oncology product launches and contributed to early-stage research and development. She began her career in vaccine development at Sanofi Pasteur.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The key risks to Starton Therapeutics (STA) include its limited operating history and lack of approved commercial products, its business model revolving around reformulating off-patent drugs with limited proprietary drug intellectual property, and its thin capitalization and lack of major institutional life science investors.

  1. Limited Operating History and No Approved Products: Starton Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company without any products currently approved for commercial sale. This limited operating history makes it challenging to assess the company's future success and viability.
  2. Reliance on Off-Patent Drugs with Limited Proprietary IP: Starton's strategy centers on developing new delivery modalities for already-approved, off-patent drugs, such as its lead candidate, STAR-LLD, which repurposes generic Revlimid. The company reportedly "holds no proprietary drug IP beyond delivery methods," which could significantly weaken its competitive moat and long-term market position.
  3. Thin Capitalization and Lack of Institutional Investor Backing: The company has been described as "thinly capitalized" and lacking "major institutional life science investors." This financial vulnerability could impact its ability to secure sufficient funding for ongoing clinical trials and future operations, thereby affecting its development timelines and overall stability.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The rapid advancement and approval of novel therapeutic classes for multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), such as BCMA-targeted CAR-T cells, bispecific antibodies, next-generation BTK inhibitors, and BCL-2 inhibitors. These emerging therapies offer potentially superior efficacy and distinct safety profiles compared to lenalidomide, Starton Therapeutics' lead product candidate's core active pharmaceutical ingredient. This could lead to a significant shift in treatment paradigms, diminish the market share for lenalidomide-based regimens (even those with improved delivery like STAR-LLD), and relegate lenalidomide to later lines of therapy or niche indications.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Starton Therapeutics (STA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming standard-of-care therapies through proprietary continuous delivery technology for existing drugs. Their main product candidates, STAR-LLD and STAR-OLZ, target significant markets in oncology and supportive care.

The addressable markets for Starton Therapeutics' main products or services are as follows:

  • STAR-LLD (Lenalidomide for Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia):
    • The global lenalidomide market was valued at approximately USD 15.21 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 19.84 billion by 2030. Other estimates place the global lenalidomide market at USD 14.08 billion in 2025, reaching USD 22.04 billion by 2032, or USD 19.58 billion in 2024, growing to USD 28.49 billion by 2031.
    • For multiple myeloma specifically, which is a primary driver of lenalidomide revenue, the global multiple myeloma therapeutics market was estimated at USD 20.87 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 30.30 billion by 2030. North America held a significant share of this market, at 46% in 2023. Another source reports the global multiple myeloma market size at USD 27.58 billion in 2024, projected to grow to USD 44.19 billion by 2032.
    • For chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), while a specific market size for lenalidomide in CLL was not explicitly detailed, the broader global leukemia therapeutics market was valued at USD 15.21 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 27.78 billion by 2027. North America dominated this market with a 45.5% share in 2019.
  • STAR-OLZ (Transdermal Olanzapine for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting - CINV):
    • Information regarding the specific addressable market size for olanzapine in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) or the overall CINV market size for Starton Therapeutics' product was not readily available in the provided search results.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Starton Therapeutics (STA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming existing standard-of-care therapies using its proprietary continuous delivery technology. The expected drivers of future revenue growth for Starton Therapeutics over the next 2-3 years include:
  1. Successful Clinical Development and Commercialization of STAR-LLD: The primary driver of future revenue growth is the successful advancement and eventual commercialization of STAR-LLD, Starton's lead product candidate. STAR-LLD is a continuous delivery formulation of lenalidomide, an active ingredient in an approved blockbuster drug (Revlimid®), targeting multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This innovative delivery system is designed to provide superior pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles, enhance tolerability, reduce side effects, and allow for prolonged treatment durations with lower drug doses compared to existing oral formulations. Starton has reported positive early data from its Phase 1b clinical trial in multiple myeloma, demonstrating meaningful efficacy and improved tolerability, with a Phase 2a clinical trial for MM currently open for enrollment.
  2. Expansion of STAR-LLD into New Indications and Patient Populations: Beyond the current focus on MM and CLL, Starton plans to expand the use of STAR-LLD into additional indications and patient populations. The company is specifically targeting high-risk CLL patients who are refractory to Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, and a Phase 2 study for STAR-LLD in the post-transplant maintenance setting for MM. This expansion could significantly broaden the total addressable market for STAR-LLD, including capturing patients intolerant to the currently approved oral lenalidomide formulations.
  3. Development and Commercialization of Multiple Delivery Systems for STAR-LLD: Starton is developing STAR-LLD across various continuous delivery platforms, including subcutaneous, transdermal patches, on-body delivery systems, and an oral sustained-release dosage form. The availability of multiple delivery methods based on patient needs could increase patient compliance, convenience, and expand market penetration by offering diverse options for administration.
  4. Advancement of STAR-OLZ for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): Another potential revenue driver is the advancement of STAR-OLZ, a once-weekly transdermal olanzapine for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. As a separate product in their pipeline, its successful development and commercialization would provide an additional revenue stream and diversify Starton's product portfolio.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Issuance

  • In April 2023, Starton Therapeutics planned to become publicly traded on Nasdaq through a business combination with Healthwell Acquisition Corp. I.
  • The proposed transaction included an anticipated $15 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) capital raise.
  • Starton Therapeutics terminated the business combination agreement in November 2023, which means the planned share issuance related to going public did not occur.

Inbound Investments

  • Starton Therapeutics has raised a total of $57 million in funding.
  • The company completed a seed round in April 2023, raising $1.44 million.
  • Investors in Starton Therapeutics include Endeavor Capital Management, Jolt Health, Accent Capital, MBX Capital, LOVE Pharma, and Goldfingr.

Outbound Investments

  • Starton Therapeutics has not made any investments or acquisitions.

Capital Expenditures

  • While specific dollar values are not publicly available, Starton Therapeutics' capital allocation in this area is focused on funding its research and clinical development programs for its proprietary continuous delivery technology for cancer treatments.

Trade Ideas

Select ideas related to STA. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.

Unique Key

Recent Active Movers

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Peer Comparisons for Starton Therapeutics

Peers to compare with:

Financials

STAHALOXERSHRTXEGRXPACBMedian
NameStarton .Halozyme.Xeris Bi.Heron Th.Eagle Ph.Pacific . 
Mkt Price-71.677.711.48-2.134.92
Mkt Cap-8.41.40.30.00.60.6
Rev LTM01,243266155258155206
Op Inc LTM-1173710241-5806
FCF LTM-60210-31-9-131-9
FCF 3Y Avg-449-32-4723-215-32
CFO LTM-61111-30-9-123-9
CFO 3Y Avg-461-31-4624-206-31

Growth & Margins

STAHALOXERSHRTXEGRXPACBMedian
NameStarton .Halozyme.Xeris Bi.Heron Th.Eagle Ph.Pacific . 
Rev Chg LTM-31.2%42.0%12.6%-5.4%-10.7%12.6%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg-29.0%39.9%16.6%15.1%5.1%16.6%
Rev Chg Q-22.1%37.1%16.5%-12.8%-3.8%16.5%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM-5.4%8.2%3.6%-3.6%-1.0%3.6%
Op Mgn LTM-59.3%3.7%1.0%15.9%-375.2%3.7%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg-49.8%-17.6%-38.7%18.1%-245.7%-17.6%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM-1.4%7.7%0.2%3.6%11.7%3.6%
CFO/Rev LTM-49.2%4.0%-19.5%-3.6%-79.4%-3.6%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg-46.3%-19.7%-35.3%11.0%-122.9%-19.7%
FCF/Rev LTM-48.5%3.7%-20.1%-3.6%-85.0%-3.6%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg-45.0%-20.4%-36.1%10.8%-128.5%-20.4%

Valuation

STAHALOXERSHRTXEGRXPACBMedian
NameStarton .Halozyme.Xeris Bi.Heron Th.Eagle Ph.Pacific . 
Mkt Cap-8.41.40.30.00.60.6
P/S-6.85.11.60.04.14.1
P/EBIT-11.097.945.20.1-1.311.0
P/E-14.1-87.6-18.60.4-1.3-1.3
P/CFO-13.7129.7-8.4-0.5-5.2-0.5
Total Yield-7.1%-1.1%-5.4%268.4%-78.6%-1.1%
Dividend Yield-0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg-7.1%-9.4%-19.6%22.8%-27.5%-9.4%
D/E-0.20.20.616.11.10.6
Net D/E-0.10.10.312.60.60.3

Returns

STAHALOXERSHRTXEGRXPACBMedian
NameStarton .Halozyme.Xeris Bi.Heron Th.Eagle Ph.Pacific . 
1M Rtn-13.0%9.4%5.7%-43.3%0.5%5.7%
3M Rtn-8.0%-16.8%9.6%-78.8%22.4%8.0%
6M Rtn-23.5%46.6%-26.7%-90.9%43.0%23.5%
12M Rtn-33.1%140.9%0.7%-47.7%15.1%15.1%
3Y Rtn29.7%42.4%502.3%-53.3%-99.0%-80.6%-11.8%
1M Excs Rtn-13.8%6.1%6.6%-34.8%-1.0%6.1%
3M Excs Rtn-3.3%-9.3%7.9%-83.0%29.7%3.3%
6M Excs Rtn-13.0%36.0%-37.3%-101.5%32.4%13.0%
12M Excs Rtn-13.7%116.4%-22.6%-66.4%-12.7%-12.7%
3Y Excs Rtn-45.0%-47.8%522.9%-120.6%-176.9%-155.5%-84.2%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20232022
Single Segment20
Total20


Assets by Segment
$ Mil20232022
Single Segment39
Total39


SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202309/21/2023S-4/A (06/30/2023)
03/31/202307/13/2023S-4/A (03/31/2023)
12/31/202205/15/2023S-4 (12/31/2022)