Newsletter
Published: 6 Sep 2025, 11:41 IST — Updated: 7 Sep 2025, 21:41 IST

• Treeline secures $200M in new funding for cancer drug development.
• Three cancer drugs advance to Phase 1 clinical trials.
• Founded by Loxo founder and former Novartis executive.

Treeline Biosciences, a biotech company founded by Loxo Oncology’s Josh Bilenker and former Novartis executive Jeff Engelman, has announced the advancement of three cancer drugs into Phase 1 clinical trials. This development is supported by a substantial $200 million in new funding, which aims to bolster the company’s research and development efforts in oncology. The company, known for its secretive operations, is now stepping into the spotlight with these promising candidates.

The three drugs, whose specific targets remain undisclosed, are designed to address various cancer types. The initiation of Phase 1 trials marks a critical milestone for Treeline, as it transitions from preclinical research to human testing. These trials will assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the drugs in a small cohort of patients. Typically, Phase 1 trials involve fewer than 100 participants and focus on determining the appropriate dosage levels.

Treeline’s leadership team brings a wealth of experience from their previous roles at Loxo Oncology and Novartis. Josh Bilenker, who co-founded Loxo Oncology, played a pivotal role in developing targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Jeff Engelman, with his extensive background in oncology research at Novartis, adds significant expertise to Treeline’s strategic direction. Their combined experience is expected to drive the company’s innovative approach to cancer drug development.

The $200 million funding round is expected to provide Treeline with the necessary resources to advance its clinical programs and expand its pipeline. This financial backing underscores investor confidence in Treeline’s potential to deliver novel cancer therapies. As the company progresses through clinical trials, it will likely attract further attention from both the scientific community and potential partners.

For more information on clinical trials, visit our Clinical Trials page. To learn more about Treeline Biosciences, visit their official website.