Delivering hope through science.

Cancer is tough.

Treatment shouldn’t be.

At St. James Therapeutics, we work to develop novel, yet practical products to help people throughout any stage of their cancer journey.

Woman without hair smiling.

HFS is a problem.

But what is it?

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a common side effect of some types of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapies such as capecitabine, 5-fluorourcacil, liposomal doxorubicin, and taxotere travel through the blood stream and build up in the eccrine sweat glands.

Ulcerations and painful inflammation can occur when the drug travels up the sweat gland duct and is excreted through the pore.

Skin diagram illustrating the eccrine gland leading to inflammation in the skin pore. Two hands, palms up with noticeable skin irritation.

Statistics on HFS

In the US alone, HFS affects roughly 700k patients annually.

It is estimated that insurance companies spend $260m annually managing HFS symptoms.

The average patient spends $1500 out of pocket on options with little resolve.

To date, there is no universally accepted gold standard for managing HFS.

We’re not curing cancer. We’re making treatment more tolerable.

Nuvaya product tube.

Introducing A New Solution

Developed by a cancer patient.

  • Our topical mask utilizes a novel and patented ingredient that hydrates and moisturizes the skin’s natural barrier.
  • It’s been clinically-tested and has been shown to heal severely dry and cracked skin on the hands and feet.
  • This product is currently undergoing further research and development.

Delivering hope through science.

At St. James Therapeutics, our mission is simple, yet profound: to develop specialized skin care products that enhance the well-being of cancer patients and the general population. We are committed to using high-quality ingredients and innovative formulations to address the unmet needs of our customers. As a value-based organization, we are driven by compassion for the people we serve and strive to make a positive impact on their lives. We are equally committed to protecting the environment through sustainable practices. Together, we aim to promote health, restore confidence, and inspire hope in every individual we touch.

Who are we?

St. James Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of cancer patients by developing novel therapeutics that target common chemotherapy side effects.

Michael Allio
Co-Founder + CEO
Brad Helfman
COO
Mark Allio
Treasurer
Michele Cerminaro
Sourcing Specialist
Pat Cerminaro
Manufacturing Specialist
Joe Kanfer
Former CEO of GOJO Industries
Dr. Stephen Charles
Senior Advisor
William H. Considine
Former President & CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital

Company Values

Innovation

We strive to be at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements, constantly seeking creative and novel solutions to address common healthcare challenges.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work, maintaining transparency, honesty, and accountability in our interactions with stakeholders.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of collaboration and actively seek partnerships with leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and organizations to maximize the impact of our discoveries.

Patient-Centricity

The well being of patients is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and their families.

Company Timeline

Interested in becoming an investor?

Contact us below to receive our investor packet.

START HERE

Investor packet includes: Pitch deck, term sheet, accredited investor form, budget, one page “meet the team/advisors” section

Woman without hair cheering and smiling.

Our Story

  • In 2017, Laura Allio noticed something odd. Her son, James, refused to take milk from her left breast. She decided to seek out a professional opinion and scheduled an appointment with her OBGYN. At first, it was quickly diagnosed as a plugged milk duct, a common occurrence experienced by many nursing mothers. However, upon seeking a second opinion, it was later diagnosed as Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
  • Given the aggressive nature of Laura’s diagnosis, she began chemotherapy treatment immediately and quickly developed a burning and blistering side effect called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (Hand-Foot Syndrome). The couple was shocked to find out that there was no remedy for this commonly reported symptom and began their journey developing one.
  • After a few failed attempts, Laura developed a formulation that worked for her and allowed her to continue her chemotherapy treatment without dose reduction.
  • Sadly, at 34 years old, Laura’s battle with cancer ended on January 23, 2019.
  • Determined to continue what Laura had started, her husband Michael founded St. James Therapeutics. For the next three years, Michael worked diligently with chemists, formulators, and labs to improve the original formulation.
  • The work paid off, resulting in the company’s first product…Nuvaya.
  • Nuvaya is a patented topical mask that is applied to the user’s hands and feet for 30 minutes. Once the product dries, it is removed using room temperature water.
  • St. James Therapeutics creates science-backed skin care solutions that address the common, yet unmet needs of users everywhere. Our products use the highest quality ingredients, undergo rigorous clinical testing, and packaged in eco-friendly containers.