Crossbow Therapeutics

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Crossbow Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing T-Bolt therapies, a novel class of T-cell receptor mimetic antibodies designed to target previously unreachable cancer cell proteins. The organization focuses strictly on the oncology sector to treat a broad range of cancers, advancing its primary lead product CBX-250 for patients with myeloid leukemia. Operating with an estimated 21 to 50 employees, the enterprise generates annual revenues between five and ten million dollars while progressing its broader immunotherapy development pipeline. To support these clinical research initiatives, the company has secured over 187 million dollars in total funding, featuring an 80 million dollar Series A financing round backed by MPM BioImpact, Pfizer Ventures, Polaris Partners, and Eli Lilly. Founded in 2021 by Patrick Baeuerle, Todd Foley, and Geraldine Paulus, the venture is currently led by CEO Briggs Morrison.

High-Level Overview

Crossbow Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation antibody-based immunotherapies to cure cancer. Their lead product candidates are T-cell receptor-mimetic (TCRm) antibody therapies, called T-Bolt™ therapies, designed to target tumor-specific peptides presented by peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes on cancer cells. These therapies aim to expand the reach and precision of antibody therapeutics by engaging immune cells to selectively kill cancer cells, particularly in myeloid leukemia and other malignancies. Crossbow serves cancer patients and the broader oncology community by addressing the challenge of targeting intracellular cancer antigens that are traditionally difficult to drug. The company has demonstrated strong growth momentum, securing $80 million in Series A funding in 2023 and advancing its lead program CBX-250 into clinical trials with FDA acceptance of its IND in 2025[1][2][4][5].

Origin Story

Founded in 2021 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Crossbow Therapeutics was established by co-founders Geraldine Paulus, Patrick Baeuerle, and Todd Foley, who brought expertise in antibody engineering and immunotherapy. The idea emerged from the need to develop therapies that mimic T-cell receptors to target intracellular cancer antigens presented on the cell surface by MHC molecules, a novel approach in oncology. Early traction included raising significant venture capital from prominent investors such as Pfizer Ventures, Polaris Partners, and Eli Lilly, enabling rapid advancement of their pipeline. The company quickly built a multidisciplinary team of drug discovery and development experts, led by CEO Briggs Morrison, to execute on its mission to cure cancer[1][2][5].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Product Platform: Crossbow’s T-Bolt™ therapies use proprietary TCR-mimetic antibodies that can recognize peptide-MHC complexes, enabling targeting of intracellular cancer antigens inaccessible to conventional antibodies.
• Precision and Potency: Their molecules combine high specificity with potent immune cell engagement, aiming to minimize off-target effects and maximize tumor cell killing.
• Pipeline Breadth: Beyond their lead program CBX-250 for myeloid malignancies, they have additional candidates targeting telomerase-derived peptides, a broadly expressed oncogenic driver, indicating blockbuster potential.
• Experienced Team: The company is led by seasoned executives and scientists with deep expertise in immuno-oncology, drug development, and company building.
• Strong Investor Backing: Supported by top-tier biotech investors and pharma partners, providing capital and strategic resources for growth and partnerships[1][2][4][5].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Crossbow Therapeutics is riding the wave of immunotherapy innovation, particularly the trend toward targeting intracellular cancer antigens via T-cell receptor mimicry. This approach addresses a critical limitation of current antibody therapies, which mostly target extracellular proteins. The timing is favorable due to advances in antibody engineering, immune cell engager technologies, and a growing understanding of tumor immunology. Market forces such as increasing cancer incidence, demand for more effective and precise therapies, and substantial investment in oncology biotech support Crossbow’s growth. By expanding the universe of targetable cancer antigens, Crossbow is poised to influence the broader immuno-oncology ecosystem, potentially enabling new treatment paradigms and partnerships[2][4][5].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Crossbow Therapeutics is expected to advance multiple clinical programs, including the ongoing trial of CBX-250 and IND-enabling studies for their telomerase-targeting T-cell engager. Trends shaping their journey include the continued evolution of immune cell engager platforms, personalized cancer therapies, and combination immunotherapies. Their influence may grow as they validate the TCR-mimetic approach clinically, potentially unlocking a new class of cancer treatments with broad applicability. Success in clinical trials and strategic partnerships could position Crossbow as a leader in next-generation immunotherapies, fulfilling their mission to revolutionize cancer treatment with precision and potency[2][5].