Crescent Biopharma Initiates CR-001 Clinical Trial
Crescent Biopharma announced that the first patient has been dosed in its global ASCEND Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating CR-001, an investigational PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. "The initiation of ASCEND is a significant milestone for Crescent and the development of CR-001, which we believe has the potential to be a best-in-class therapy and immuno-oncology backbone," said Ellie Im, M.D., chief medical officer of Crescent. "We are excited to be working with clinicians across the globe as we strive to improve the standard of care for people living with cancer. ASCEND is designed to comprehensively assess the clinical profile of CR-001, including its potential in both first-line and previously treated patients, and to generate a robust data set to drive our development strategy across multiple indications."
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on CBIO
About CBIO
About the author

- Trial Launch: Crescent Biopharma has initiated the ASCEND clinical trial globally to evaluate CR-001, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody for various solid tumors, with plans to enroll 290 patients, showcasing the company's innovative potential in cancer treatment.
- Data Reporting Expectations: The company anticipates reporting proof-of-concept data from the ASCEND trial in Q1 2027, including safety and preliminary antitumor activity, aimed at providing robust data support for the further development of CR-001.
- Multiple Indication Assessment: The ASCEND trial is designed to comprehensively assess the clinical profile of CR-001 in both first-line and previously treated patients, intending to drive the company's development strategy across multiple indications and enhance its market competitiveness.
- Strategic Collaboration Expansion: Crescent has entered into a strategic collaboration with Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., granting exclusive rights to research and commercialize CR-001 in Greater China, further expanding its influence in the Asian market.
- Management Participation: Crescent Biopharma is scheduled to participate in the Guggenheim Emerging Outlook: Biotech Summit on February 12, 2026, in New York, showcasing its latest advancements in cancer therapies, which is expected to attract investor attention and enhance the company's visibility.
- Live Webcast Availability: The event will be webcast live on the company's website, with a replay accessible for 90 days post-event, enhancing interaction with investors and increasing transparency and trust.
- Pipeline Overview: Crescent Biopharma's clinical-stage pipeline includes a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody and novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), aiming to rapidly advance cancer treatments that could transform existing therapeutic paradigms.
- Company Vision: Crescent Biopharma is committed to becoming a world-leading oncology company, leveraging multiple modalities and combination regimens to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies for a range of solid tumors, demonstrating its strategic ambition in the biotech sector.
- Century Communities Rating: Analyst James McCanless initiated coverage on Century Communities Inc (NYSE:CCS) with a Market Outperform rating and a price target of $92, indicating significant upside from Tuesday's close of $66.26, reflecting confidence in the company's growth prospects.
- Alumis Inc Rating: Chardan Capital analyst Janani Sundararajan initiated coverage on Alumis Inc (NASDAQ:ALMS) with a Buy rating and a price target of $37, suggesting a 41% upside from Tuesday's close of $26.06, showcasing optimism about its business outlook.
- Credo Technology Rating: Rosenblatt analyst Mike Genovese initiated coverage on Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO) with a Neutral rating and a price target of $170, indicating potential upside from the current price of $153.22, reflecting a cautious view on its market performance.
- Crescent Biopharma Rating: Guggenheim analyst Brad Canino initiated coverage on Crescent Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:CBIO) with a Buy rating and a price target of $35, representing a 150% upside from Tuesday's close of $13.98, indicating strong confidence in its future growth potential.
- Options Grant: Crescent Biopharma's Board approved the grant of 129,626 stock options to three non-executive employees as part of the 2025 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan, aimed at attracting key talent and enhancing team stability.
- Incentive Structure: The options have an exercise price of $13.21 per share, aligning with the closing price on December 15, 2025, ensuring that employees can benefit financially as the company performs well.
- Vesting Schedule: Options will vest one-fourth on the first anniversary of the employee's start date, with one-forty-eighth vesting monthly thereafter, ensuring long-term employee commitment through continuous service with Crescent.
- Strategic Aim: By implementing such incentive measures, Crescent Biopharma aims to build an efficient oncology team to rapidly advance innovative therapies like its PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, further solidifying its market position in the biotechnology sector.
Equity Inducement Awards: Crescent Biopharma's Board approved the grant of options to purchase 129,626 shares to three non-executive employees as part of their 2025 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan, with options granted on December 15, 2025.
Option Details: The options have a 10-year term with an exercise price of $13.21 per share, vesting over time based on the employees' continuous service with the company.
Company Vision: Crescent Biopharma aims to become a leading oncology company, focusing on developing innovative therapies for cancer patients, including a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody and novel antibody-drug conjugates.
Pipeline Strategy: The company plans to advance transformative therapies for solid tumors through various modalities and combination regimens, enhancing treatment options for patients.
Partnership Announcement: Crescent Biopharma has formed an exclusive partnership with Sichuan Kelun-Biotech to develop next-generation oncology therapeutics, including the bispecific antibody CR-001 and various antibody-drug conjugates.
Private Placement Details: The company secured a $185 million private placement to support clinical development, with expected closure around December 8, 2023, and participation from several investment firms.
Pipeline Timeline: Crescent anticipates that its products CR-001, CR-002, and CR-003 will enter clinical trials in 2026, with initial proof-of-concept data expected in 2027.
Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Crescent Biopharma's shares experienced a decline of 2.31%, trading at $13.10 at the time of reporting.









