CB-101: A new kind of cancer-fighting antibody that redirects T cells to tumors
Official title: Study of CB-101: A Novel First-in-Class Trispecific Antibody Targeting ROR1, EpCAM, and CD3 for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer and Other Solid Tumors
Funded at Xtop Biotherapeutics INC. · NIH-11407471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A first-in-class antibody therapy called CB-101 is being developed to help treat colorectal cancer and other solid tumors by guiding T cells to attack cancer cells while reducing damage to healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xtop Biotherapeutics INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA310454-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with colorectal cancer or other solid tumors where ROR1 and EpCAM are present and could benefit from T-cell–redirecting therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors expressing ROR1 or EpCAM or who cannot tolerate T-cell engaging therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing CB-101, a trispecific antibody designed to engage T cells and cancer targets with a smarter activation mechanism. It uses the CrossBody platform to enhance safety and efficacy, aiming to expand use in solid tumors where traditional T-cell engaging therapies struggle. The project will explore how well CB-101 binds to targets NYROR1 and EpCAM, and how effectively it activates T cells against cancer cells while limiting toxicity. Researchers will study its stability, specificity, and activation profile in preclinical models to prepare for future clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CB-101 could offer a more effective and safer option for patients with colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, potentially expanding T-cell immunotherapy into tumor types with current treatment limitations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous conditional TCE approaches showed promise but have not been approved, making this a novel advancement with cautious optimism.
Where this research is happening
-
Xtop Biotherapeutics INC.
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xiaoyan — Xtop Biotherapeutics INC.
- Study coordinator: Li, Xiaoyan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.