Lilly to Acquire CrossBridge Bio to Add Next-Generation ADC Technology
Eli Lilly and Company has announced an agreement to acquire Houston-based biotech CrossBridge Bio in a deal valued at up to $300 million, adding an early-stage dual-payload ADC platform to its oncology pipeline. Founded in 2023, CrossBridge is a preclinical company built around technology originating from UTHealth Houston.
Key points
- Total deal value of up to $300 million
- CrossBridge Bio is a Houston biotech founded in 2023
- CBB-120 is a TROP2-targeted dual-payload ADC
- It combines a TOP1 inhibitor and an ATR inhibitor
- The lead programme is expected to enter the clinic in 2026
What differentiates CrossBridge is not only the target, but the payload strategy. Its platform is designed to deliver two mechanisms within a single ADC, with the aim of improving durability and addressing tumour resistance seen with earlier generations of targeted therapies.
Alongside Gilead’s recent Tubulis acquisition, this points to a broader move by large pharma to secure earlier access to next-generation ADC and oncology platform technologies. Lilly’s deal is another sign that differentiated payload design is becoming an increasingly important part of oncology platform strategy.
We extend our congratulations to the teams at Eli Lilly and Company and CrossBridge Bio.