CrossBridge Bio has received a $15 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, marking a significant milestone in the company’s effort to bring its lead dual payload antibody drug conjugate, CBB 120, into the clinic. The Houston-based biotechnology company is developing next-generation ADCs designed to deliver safer, more durable responses for patients, including those who no longer benefit from approved ADC therapies.
The CPRIT funding will support the final stages of IND enabling work for CBB 120, a TROP 2 targeted dual payload ADC that combines a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor and an ATR inhibitor within a single construct. CrossBridge Bio’s platform integrates branched tripeptide linkers, known as EGCit, with paired payloads to achieve precise delivery and synergistic activity. The architecture is designed to address tumor resistance and heterogeneity while delivering deeper, more durable responses than those of earlier-generation ADCs.
CBB 120 has produced strong preclinical data, including potent activity in models resistant to standard-of-care ADCs. The program was recently highlighted at the 2025 World ADC Conference, where it drew the largest audience of any non-plenary session, reflecting broad scientific interest in the platform and approach.
The CPRIT award will allow the company to complete GLP toxicology studies, advance manufacturing scale-up, finalize analytical work, and prepare for an IND submission planned for 2026.
CPRIT is one of the world’s largest public funders of cancer research and prevention. Since its inception in 2009, the institute has issued more than $3 billion in funding across Texas to advance research, product development, and evidence-based prevention programs.
CrossBridge Bio continues to expand its dual payload ADC platform from its headquarters in Houston. Its lead program, CBB 120, is positioned as a potential new option for patients facing limited treatment pathways.
KEY QUOTES
“We are honored to receive CPRIT’s support as we advance CBB-120 toward the clinic. This grant is a strong validation of the innovation behind our dual-payload platform and reflects the importance of bringing new treatment options to patients facing difficult-to-treat cancers. CPRIT’s support allows us to accelerate development with the urgency this opportunity deserves.”
Michael Torres, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of CrossBridge Bio
“CBB-120 showcases the full strength of our scientific approach – dual-payload engineering, branched linker chemistry, and precision delivery. We’re excited to build on the momentum from our World ADC recognition and move this program into clinical development, where we hope it will make a meaningful impact for patients with limited options.”
Dan Pereira, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of CrossBridge Bio
