Initial Therapeutics

Initial Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering a novel approach to drug discovery called Selective Termination of Protein Synthesis (STOPS). The company's platform is designed to identify small molecules that bind to the ribosome and selectively stall the translation of specific, disease-causing proteins. This method allows for the targeting of 'undruggable' proteins, such as transcription factors, by intercepting them during their linear sequence formation before they fold into their final pathogenic structures. Founded by Apple Tree Partners (ATP) and leading academic researchers, the company integrates breakthroughs in ribosome biochemistry, DNA-encoded libraries, and chemical genetics. While currently navigating a strategic Chapter 11 reorganization due to a funding dispute at the parent level, the company continues to advance its discovery-stage pipeline, primarily focused on high-value oncology targets like MYC.