Crescent Biopharma has appointed Jan Pinkas, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer to lead the company's oncology drug development efforts as it advances its pipeline of next-generation therapeutics for solid tumors. The appointment comes as the biotechnology company prepares to move its lead programs into clinical development.
Dr. Pinkas brings more than two decades of experience in oncology drug development, with particular expertise in preclinical and translational research across multiple modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). His appointment underscores Crescent's commitment to advancing innovative cancer therapies at a critical juncture for the company.
Pipeline Advancement Timeline
Crescent is progressing two key programs toward clinical trials. The company expects to begin dosing patients in a global Phase 1 trial of CR-001, its PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, in early 2026. Additionally, Crescent anticipates submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for CR-002, one of its novel ADCs, in the middle of next year.
"Jan joins us at an important time as we progress our first two programs towards the clinic," said Joshua Brumm, chief executive officer of Crescent. "The addition of Jan underscores Crescent's commitment to become a leader in delivering the next wave of cancer therapies."
Strategic Focus on Combination Therapies
Crescent's pipeline is designed to leverage the shift toward cooperative PD-1 x VEGF targeting and next-generation ADCs. The company is exploring opportunities for both monotherapy applications and synergistic combinations of these programs.
"Our pipeline is designed to leverage the shift to cooperative PD-1 x VEGF and next generation ADCs, including opportunities as monotherapies and synergistic combinations of these programs," Dr. Pinkas stated. "Crescent is positioned at the forefront of therapeutic advancements for oncology, and I'm excited to work with this talented team to rapidly develop therapies that have the potential to be life-changing for people with cancer."
Leadership Experience
Prior to joining Crescent, Dr. Pinkas served as chief scientific officer at Pyxis Oncology, where he established the preclinical research and development function to support ADC and antibody programs through IND-enabling studies and led the translational medicine group. Previously, at Magenta Therapeutics, he served as senior vice president of translational sciences, establishing a new department to support programs as the company advanced from preclinical research to late-stage clinical development.
Dr. Pinkas spent more than 10 years at ImmunoGen in positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as vice president of translational research and development. In that role, he led groups supporting molecules from early-stage research to IND and advancing to pivotal clinical development. His contributions included work on ELAHERE, an ADC approved for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, as well as SARCLISA, an anti-CD38 therapy approved in combination with standard of care for multiple myeloma.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Pinkas held scientist roles focused on oncology research at Amgen and Genzyme Corporation. He earned his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received his B.A. in biology from Johns Hopkins University.
Company Vision
Crescent Biopharma's vision is to build a world-leading oncology company bringing the next wave of therapies for cancer patients. The company's pipeline includes its lead program, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, as well as novel antibody-drug conjugates. By leveraging multiple modalities and established targets, Crescent aims to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies either as single agents or as part of combination regimens to treat a range of solid tumors.
