Tackling cancer by leveraging multiple modalities

Our oncology programs encompass multiple modalities, including a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody that we see as a foundational backbone, as well as ADCs that could be utilized either alone or in combination with our immunotherapy candidate. We’re working smartly and efficiently by leveraging established targets and validated biology, with the goal of advancing rapidly towards multiple solid tumor indications.

Programs with potential for monotherapy or combination therapy across multiple solid tumor indications
PROGRAM
MOA
DISCOVERY
IND-ENABLING
IND
POTENTIAL
INDICATIONS
DEVELOPMENT
REGION
CR-001
IND-ENABLING
PD-1 x VEGF
Same cooperative MOA as ivonescimab
4Q25
NSCLC,
other solid
tumors
Global
CR-002
DISCOVERY
Undisclosed
ADC #1 with Topol payload
Mid-2026
Solid
tumors
Global
CR-003
DISCOVERY
Undisclosed
ADC #2 with Topol payload
 
Solid
tumors
Global

NSCLC=non-small cell lung cancer; MOA=mechanism of action; ADC=antibody-drug conjugate; topol=topoisomerase.

CR-001

A cooperative tetravalent
bispecific antibody with the same
MOA as ivonescimab

Our lead program, CR-001, is a tetravalent PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody in development for the treatment of solid tumors. We are focused on potential first-in-class and fast follower opportunities with a rapid path to market and high probability of success based on clinical validation from approved VEGF and PD-(L)1 therapies.

CR-001 has been intentionally designed to exhibit the cooperative pharmacology of ivonescimab, another tetravalent PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody that has demonstrated superior efficacy vs market-leading pembrolizumab in a large Phase 3 clinical trial.1 CR-001’s PD-1 checkpoint inhibition is aimed at restoring T cells’ ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Its structure may also promote localization of anti-VEGF activity into the tumor microenvironment, potentially helping to concentrate therapeutic exposure within the tumor and limit systemic exposure. CR-001 may also normalize the vasculature at the tumor site, which has the potential to improve the localization and effectiveness of combination therapies, making CR-001 a potential backbone of future combination regimens. Crescent plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the fourth quarter of 2025 for CR-001 and expects to report proof-of-concept clinical data from a global Phase 1 trial in patients with solid tumors in the second half of 2026.

Novel, cooperative PD-1 x VEGF MOA may drive enhanced anti-tumor activity while maintaining tolerability
Tumor targeting
  • Dual blockade of PD-1 and VEGF through a novel tetravalent bispecific format with cooperative binding effects has led to unprecedented clinical results in third-party trials
  • PD-1 arm concentrates VEGF inhibition in the TME, potentially sparing healthy tissue and reducing AEs
Cooperativity
  • The cooperative binding with an agent such as CR-001 may block PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and inhibit VEGF
  • VEGF binding to an agent like CR-001 may increase affinity to PD-1 and vice versa, enhancing both T cell activation and VEGF signaling blockade
  • PD-1 binding strength (affinity) is increased in the presence of VEGF

Reference: 1. Xiong A et al. Lancet. 2025;405(10481):839–849.

CR-002 & CR-003

Potentially best in class ADCs
with topoisomerase inhibitor
payloads

CR-002 and CR-003 are ADCs designed to deliver clinically active cytotoxic drugs known as topoisomerase inhibitors to tumor cells. Each of these programs has the potential to deliver therapeutics with clinical efficacy both as monotherapy and in combination with CR-001 with significant potential across solid tumor indications. The identity of the targets of these ADCs will be disclosed as they advance, and an IND submission is planned for CR-002 in mid-2026.

Our programs build on assets discovered by Paragon Therapeutics, an antibody discovery engine founded by Fairmount Funds.