TARA-002

TARA-002 is an investigational cell therapy developed from a genetically distinct strain of group A *Streptococcus pyogenes*, rendered nonvirulent through a proprietary manufacturing process. It is based on the same master cell bank as OK-432 (marketed as Picibanil in Japan). TARA-002 acts as an immunopotentiator and is being developed for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and lymphatic malformations (LMs). The mechanism involves activation of innate and adaptive immune cells within cysts or tumors, leading to a pro-inflammatory response with cytokine release (including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-12), direct tumor cell killing, and induction of immunogenic cell death to enhance antitumor immunity. The drug targets Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and is administered intravesically[2][3][5][6].

Brand names

Picibanil

Other names

OK-432OK432OK 432Picibanil