nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton

Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) is an immunomodulatory agent derived from the gram-positive bacterium Nocardia rubra. It is being investigated as a biologic therapy for various conditions, including cancers and infectious diseases. As a biological response modifier, Nr-CWS stimulates the host's immune system. Its mechanism of action involves the activation of multiple immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Research suggests it can induce DC maturation, promote a Th1-type immune response through the Formyl Peptide Receptor 3 (FPR3), and polarize macrophages toward an M2 (pro-healing) phenotype. It is being developed by companies including Liaoning Gerui Shite Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Fujian Shanhe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and has been approved as a National Category II New Drug in China for certain uses. Clinical studies are exploring its application via various routes, including topical, subcutaneous, intravesical, and intraoperative administration, as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments.

Brand names

Nocardia rubra Cell Wall Skeleton for External Use

Other names

Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeletonN-CWS