Trellis Bioscience raised $9 million in Series C financing to complete the Phase 2 trial of calpurbatug (TRL1068), a biofilm-targeting therapy for prosthetic joint infections.
Written By: Nikita Jha, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Trellis Bioscience has secured $9 million in Series C financing to support completion of its ongoing Phase 2 trial of calpurbatug (TRL1068), an investigational monoclonal antibody for chronic prosthetic joint infections (PJI). The funding supports development of a biofilm-disrupting therapy for a condition with no approved drug treatment and limited alternatives beyond complex revision surgery.
Targeting Biofilm to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance
Calpurbatug (TRL1068) is a native human monoclonal antibody that targets the bacterial biofilm responsible for protecting pathogens from antibiotics and the immune system. Biofilms are a major cause of persistent infections associated with implanted medical devices, making prosthetic joint infections particularly difficult to eradicate.
By disrupting the structural integrity of bacterial biofilms, calpurbatug is intended to restore antibiotic activity against chronic infections that often require extensive surgery. This mechanism represents a different therapeutic approach from conventional antibiotics, which frequently fail to penetrate mature biofilms.
Significant Unmet Need in Prosthetic Joint Infections
Prosthetic joint infections occur in approximately 1% to 2% of hip and knee replacement recipients, affecting more than 25,000 patients annually in the United States. These infections are associated with prolonged hospitalization, repeated surgeries, substantial healthcare costs, and increased mortality.
The current standard of care generally involves two-stage revision surgery, a lengthy procedure that removes the infected implant before placing a new prosthesis months later. Although the DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) procedure offers a less invasive alternative, its effectiveness declines considerably in chronic infections because bacterial biofilms limit antibiotic penetration.
Phase 2 Trial Fully Enrolled
Trellis previously completed a first-in-human Phase 1 study under an FDA-cleared Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The study established the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of calpurbatug while providing early clinical evidence of biofilm-disrupting activity.
The ongoing Phase 2 trial is evaluating calpurbatug as an adjunct to the DAIR procedure in patients with chronic prosthetic joint infections. The study has completed enrollment, and top-line results are expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Orthopedic surgeon Jason Adams of The Doctor Group said early clinical findings suggest that combining TRL1068 with DAIR could improve outcomes compared with current surgical approaches by reducing treatment failure while avoiding more invasive revision procedures.
Regulatory Momentum and Future Development
Calpurbatug has received FDA Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designations. These regulatory incentives may accelerate clinical development and review, while QIDP status could provide additional market exclusivity if the therapy receives approval.
Trellis Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dillon said the new financing will enable completion of the Phase 2 program while advancing a therapeutic strategy focused on eliminating bacterial biofilms rather than relying solely on conventional antibiotics.
Investors, including the AMR Action Fund, noted that therapies capable of addressing antimicrobial resistance and preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics remain an important priority as the number of joint replacement procedures continues to increase globally.
Series C Financing Supports Clinical Development
The financing round included continued participation from existing investors New Science Ventures and Easton Capital, alongside new investments from the AMR Action Fund (AMRAF), The Doctor Group of Dallas, and several orthopedic surgeons specializing in prosthetic joint infections. With this round, Trellis has raised approximately $35 million in equity financing, complemented by a similar amount of non-dilutive funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and CARB-X. As part of the investment, Junjun Gao, PhD, Principal at AMR Action Fund, has joined the company’s Board of Directors.
Reference
TRELLIS BIOSCIENCE RAISES $9 MILLION TO ADVANCE CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CALPURBATUG (TRL1068)
About the Writer
Nikita Jha, BPharm (LinkedIn) a pharmacy graduate specializing in medical writing, with a strong ability to interpret complex medical and regulatory information and translate it into clear, accurate, and evidence-based healthcare content. Known for her attention to detail and precision, she focuses on delivering high-quality scientific communication that supports drug safety and informed decision-making.