Starton Therapeutics (STA)
Market Price (1/15/2026): $272.99 | Market Cap: $8.3 BilSector: Health Care | Industry: Biotechnology
Starton Therapeutics (STA)
Market Price (1/15/2026): $272.99Market Cap: $8.3 BilSector: Health CareIndustry: Biotechnology
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more. | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -18%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -45% | Very low revenueRev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0 |
| Not profitable at operating income levelOp Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -11 Mil | ||
| Key risksSTA 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. |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -18%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -45% |
| Very low revenueRev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0 |
| Not profitable at operating income levelOp Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -11 Mil |
| Key risksSTA 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. |
Why The Stock Moved
Qualitative Assessment
AI Analysis | Feedback
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| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| STA | 0.0% | |
| Market (SPY) | 1.2% | � |
| Sector (XLV) | 9.4% | � |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
7/31/2025 to 1/14/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| STA | 0.0% | |
| Market (SPY) | 9.5% | � |
| Sector (XLV) | 21.6% | � |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
1/31/2025 to 1/14/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| STA | 0.0% | |
| Market (SPY) | 15.7% | � |
| Sector (XLV) | 8.9% | � |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
1/31/2023 to 1/14/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| STA | 31.6% | |
| Market (SPY) | 76.2% | 28.5% |
| Sector (XLV) | 23.9% | 28.3% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| STA Return | 14% | 22% | 4% | 29% | - | - | 87% |
| Peers Return | -23% | -38% | -11% | -22% | 25% | 6% | -55% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 2% | 85% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| STA Win Rate | 58% | 58% | 58% | 75% | - | - | |
| Peers Win Rate | 40% | 37% | 43% | 48% | 48% | 60% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 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
| Event | STA | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -19.8% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 24.7% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 58 days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -42.2% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 73.0% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 301 days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -24.9% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 33.2% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 172 days | 120 days |
| 2008 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -46.3% | -56.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 86.1% | 131.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 755 days | 1,480 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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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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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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:- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
Wealth Management
Peer Comparisons for Starton Therapeutics
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 4.92 |
| Mkt Cap | 0.6 |
| Rev LTM | 206 |
| Op Inc LTM | 6 |
| FCF LTM | -9 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | -32 |
| CFO LTM | -9 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | -31 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 12.6% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 16.6% |
| Rev Chg Q | 16.5% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 3.6% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 3.7% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | -17.6% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | 3.6% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | -3.6% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | -19.7% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | -3.6% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | -20.4% |
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 06/30/2023 | 09/21/2023 | S-4/A (06/30/2023) |
| 03/31/2023 | 07/13/2023 | S-4/A (03/31/2023) |
| 12/31/2022 | 05/15/2023 | S-4 (12/31/2022) |
Industry Resources
External Quote Links
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| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
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