Dr. Stanley T. Lewis, Founder and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, is redefining cancer treatment through targeted oncolytic peptides, a breakthrough approach designed to destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. His work represents a major step forward in developing less toxic, more precise oncology therapies.
A Mission to Improve Cancer Treatment Outcomes
For decades, cancer treatment has often come with severe side effects, forcing patients to endure toxic therapies like chemotherapy. Dr. Lewis has dedicated his career to solving this challenge by creating treatments that are both effective and tolerable.
His guiding belief is simple:
Cancer therapies should save lives without compromising quality of life.
From Small-Town Roots to Medical Innovation
Dr. Lewis grew up in Lufkin, Texas, where his dream of becoming a doctor was inspired by his father. He pursued his education at the University of Texas and later completed medical training at UT McGovern Medical School.
A defining moment in his life came when his father passed away from cancer during his medical studies. This personal loss became the driving force behind his mission to improve cancer care and develop better treatments.
Transition from Physician to Biotech Leader
After working as a physician and professor, Dr. Lewis shifted into the biotechnology industry to directly impact drug development. His career includes leadership roles in major healthcare organizations, where he contributed to groundbreaking innovations.
One of his most notable achievements was leading the development of Trogarzo, the first monoclonal antibody approved for HIV treatment. This breakthrough provided new hope for patients with multi-drug-resistant HIV and demonstrated that powerful treatments can also be well tolerated.
A28 Therapeutics and the Power of Lytic Peptides
At A28 Therapeutics, Dr. Lewis is advancing a new class of cancer treatments based on targeted oncolytic peptides (TOPs).
These therapies are inspired by natural biological mechanisms, including compounds found in bee venom. The approach works by:
- Targeting cancer cells with precision
- Destroying tumor cells through cell membrane disruption
- Activating the immune system to fight cancer
This dual-action mechanism offers a significant advantage over traditional treatments by combining direct tumor destruction with immune system activation.
How Targeted Oncolytic Peptides Work
Targeted oncolytic peptides act like a guided system:
- A targeting component identifies cancer cells
- A cytotoxic peptide destroys those cells
- The immune system is activated through immunogenic cell death
This approach improves treatment precision while reducing damage to healthy cells, making it a promising advancement in oncology.
Advancing Clinical Innovation in Cancer Therapy
A28 Therapeutics is preparing for clinical trials focused on Hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the most challenging cancers to treat.
The company’s goals include:
- Optimizing dosage and safety
- Demonstrating clinical effectiveness
- Advancing toward regulatory approval
This research could significantly impact how cancer is treated in the future.
Leadership Philosophy and Vision
Despite leading a cutting-edge biotech company, Dr. Lewis describes himself as an introvert who values listening and thoughtful decision-making.
His leadership principles include:
- Simplicity in problem-solving (KISS principle)
- Data-driven and patient-centered decisions
- Collaboration across scientific and clinical teams
He believes that innovation in medicine often comes from aligning with natural biological processes rather than overcomplicating solutions.
Redefining Success in Oncology
For Dr. Lewis, success is not measured by financial metrics alone, but by patient outcomes:
“Success is measured by the number of quality years we add to patients’ lives.”
His ultimate vision is a future where cancer treatments are both effective and humane—where patients no longer fear the treatment as much as the disease.
The Future of Cancer Treatment
Dr. Lewis envisions a new era in oncology driven by:
- Precision medicine
- Biologically inspired therapies
- Immune system activation
- Reduced treatment toxicity
Through his work at A28 Therapeutics, he is helping move the industry closer to that reality.