Lisata Therapeutics, Inc.‘s LSTA flagship pipeline candidate is certepetide, once known as LSTA1, an innovative treatment for various solid tumors.
Recently, Lisata revealed promising data from a preclinical study on certepetide for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a challenging cancer type with poor outcomes.
The study demonstrated improved survival rates in mice with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma when treated with certepetide alongside standard-of-care chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Certepetide, an investigational drug, enhances the penetration of co-delivered anti-cancer drugs into solid tumors through a unique uptake pathway, potentially enhancing tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Currently, the phase IIa BOLSTER study is exploring certepetide in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy as a primary therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
This positive preclinical data underscores certepetide’s potential in treating human patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
As a result of these developments, Lisata has witnessed a remarkable 33.7% year-to-date (YTD) stock rally amid the industry’s 2.7% decline.
The Potential of Certepetide
Certepetide is currently being assessed in various anti-cancer combinations to treat multiple cancer types, including metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
In April, the FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to certepetide to treat osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, following a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in March for the same indication.
Previously, the FDA had granted Orphan Drug designation for certepetide in pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), along with a Fast Track designation for pancreatic cancer.
Studies are ongoing for certepetide in various cancers, such as pancreatic, esophageal, head and neck, appendiceal, colon cancers, and GBM.
Anticipated clinical data releases on certepetide in the coming months could significantly enhance Lisata’s growth prospects if successful.
Progress in ongoing studies and the successful development of certepetide are poised to sustain Lisata’s positive momentum throughout 2024.
Stocks in Focus
Lisata currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Among the notable biotech stocks, ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP), Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation (ADPT), and RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (RAPT) carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.
ANI Pharmaceuticals has seen a 14.7% YTD stock increase, with improved earnings estimates for 2024 and 2025.
While Adaptive Biotechnologies has faced a 17.7% YTD stock decline, its earnings estimates for 2024 and 2025 are showing signs of improvement.
RAPT Therapeutics, on the other hand, experienced an 85.7% YTD stock plunge despite modifications in its loss per share estimates for 2024 and 2025.