REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 16, 2026
Trellis Bioscience has secured $9 million in Series C financing to accelerate the clinical development of calpurbatug (TRL1068), an investigational human monoclonal antibody (mAb) being evaluated for the treatment of chronic prosthetic joint infections (PJI). The funding will support the completion of the company’s ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial, reinforcing Trellis’ strategy to develop innovative therapies capable of overcoming antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections by targeting bacterial biofilms. The financing round attracted continued participation from existing investors New Science Ventures and Easton Capital, while welcoming new investors including the AMR Action Fund, The Doctor Group, and leading orthopedic surgeons specializing in prosthetic joint infections. The latest investment increases Trellis’ total equity financing to approximately $35 million, complemented by a similar amount of non-dilutive funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and CARB-X, further strengthening the company’s position in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Series C Financing Accelerates Clinical Development
The newly completed Series C financing will primarily fund the completion of Trellis’ fully enrolled Phase 2 clinical study evaluating calpurbatug (TRL1068) as an adjunct to the DAIR (Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention) procedure in patients with prosthetic joint infections. The financing also strengthens the company’s leadership, with Dr. Junjun Gao, Principal at the AMR Action Fund, joining Trellis’ Board of Directors. Company executives believe the support from investors focused on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) validates the potential of calpurbatug to establish a completely new therapeutic approach for persistent bacterial infections. Top-line Phase 2 results are expected during the second quarter of 2027, representing an important milestone for the program as Trellis advances one of the few clinical-stage therapies specifically designed to disrupt bacterial biofilms rather than relying solely on conventional antibiotics.
Calpurbatug Targets Biofilms to Combat Resistant Infections
Unlike traditional antimicrobial therapies, calpurbatug (TRL1068) is designed to break down bacterial biofilms, the protective structures that enable bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment and contribute to chronic infections. Prosthetic joint infections remain one of the most serious complications following hip and knee replacement surgery, affecting more than 25,000 patients annually in the United States. Current treatment often requires complex two-stage revision surgery, associated with high healthcare costs, prolonged recovery, and increased mortality. Although the less invasive DAIR procedure offers a patient-friendly alternative, its success rates remain limited in chronic infections due to persistent biofilm formation. Early clinical evidence and extensive preclinical research indicate that TRL1068 may enhance antibiotic effectiveness by disrupting these biofilms, potentially allowing patients to avoid extensive revision surgeries while improving long-term treatment outcomes. This innovative mechanism positions calpurbatug as a promising candidate in addressing one of healthcare’s fastest-growing challenges—antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Regulatory Recognition Strengthens Development Outlook
Trellis has already achieved several important regulatory milestones supporting the advancement of calpurbatug, including Orphan Drug Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These designations may accelerate regulatory review while providing valuable development incentives and, in the case of QIDP, additional market exclusivity following potential approval. The investigational therapy has also successfully completed a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial, generating encouraging safety, pharmacokinetic, and preliminary evidence of biofilm-disrupting activity. As antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten modern healthcare and surgical procedures worldwide, Trellis’ innovative antibody platform represents a significant scientific advancement aimed at preserving antibiotic effectiveness while improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat orthopedic infections. With strong investor support, regulatory momentum, and advancing clinical evidence, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation anti-infective biologic therapies.
Source: Trellis Bioscience press release
