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Crescent, Kelun-Biotech Trade Cancer Asset Rights in Cross-Border Deal as Crescent Secures $185 Million

The rights exchange sets 2026 clinical launches under a split granting Kelun CR-001 in Greater China, leaving SKB105 to Crescent outside China.

Overview

  • Crescent granted Kelun-Biotech exclusive Greater China rights to CR-001, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific, and received ex-China rights to Kelun’s ADC SKB105 (CR-003).
  • Pharmaceutical Technology reports Crescent will pay $80 million upfront and up to $1.25 billion in milestones for SKB105, while Kelun will pay $20 million and up to $30 million in milestones for CR-001, with royalties tied to future sales.
  • Crescent expects CR-001, CR-002 and CR-003 to enter the clinic in 2026, with initial proof-of-concept readouts targeted for 2027; Phase I/II trials for CR-001 and SKB105 are anticipated to start in early 2026.
  • According to the companies, CR-001’s anti-VEGF activity could enhance localization for combination regimens, including co-administration with antibody‑drug conjugates.
  • Crescent announced a $185 million private placement targeted to close around December 8 with specialist healthcare investors, guiding that the proceeds extend its cash runway into 2028.