TARN-M

TARN-M is a small molecule therapeutic candidate being developed by Tarn Biosciences for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. The drug functions by targeting Mycobacterial membrane protein Large 3 (MmpL3), an essential membrane transporter in mycobacteria. MmpL3 is responsible for the translocation of trehalose monomycolates (TMM) across the plasma membrane, which is a critical step in the synthesis of mycolic acids and the assembly of the mycobacterial cell wall. By inhibiting this transporter, TARN-M disrupts the integrity of the bacterial cell envelope, leading to bactericidal activity. As of early 2024, TARN-M is in the preclinical stage of development, specifically undergoing IND-enabling studies with a target for Investigational New Drug (IND) submission in 2029.