** Shares of drugmaker Crescent Biopharma CBIO.O rise 4% to $9.68

** Co says it has begun a global early‑stage trial of CR‑001 for advanced solid tumors

** CR‑001 is an experimental cancer drug designed to help the immune system attack tumors and block blood supply, CBIO says

** Co says study will test safety and how the drug moves and acts in the body before checking for early signs of tumor shrinkage

** Trial to enroll up to 290 patients across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific; initial data expected in early 2027, CBIO says

** Co says it has granted China-based cancer‑drug developer Sichuan Kelun-Biotech exclusive rights to develop and sell the drug in Greater China

** Shares down ~52% in 2025

(Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))