TAK-605

TAK-605, also known as RIVAL-01, is an engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus developed as a multi-modal immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors [1, 2]. It is not a biological target molecule or receptor, but rather a therapeutic drug candidate designed to selectively replicate within cancer cells, causing direct oncolysis and releasing tumor-associated antigens [3, 13]. The virus is 'armored' with three therapeutic transgenes: Flt3 ligand (Flt3L), an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and interleukin-12 (IL-12), which are expressed locally within the tumor microenvironment to enhance dendritic cell recruitment, T-cell activation, and pro-inflammatory signaling [3, 18]. By combining direct viral lysis with the localized production of potent immune modulators, TAK-605 aims to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors, potentially improving the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab [1, 19]. Although it showed promise in early-stage clinical trials, Takeda terminated its collaboration with Turnstone Biologics in 2022 for strategic reasons, returning the rights to the developer [2, 9].

Other names

RIVAL-01TBio-6517Armored Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus

Not applicable; TAK-605 is an oncolytic virus drug candidate, not a biological target molecule.