#United States #Austin #MD Anderson #Genprex #Reqorsa

Genprex Partners with MD Anderson

In a significant stride towards personalized cancer treatment, Genprex, Inc., a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has announced a new Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This collaboration focuses on the exploration of biomarkers that may predict patient responses to Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, a promising candidate in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Genprex, which has been dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients grappling with advanced cancers, recognizes the potential of biomarkers to tailor treatments for those with unmet medical requirements. President and CEO Ryan Confer expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of understanding how biomarkers TROP2 and PTEN could guide patient selection strategies for clinical trials.

The Significance of Biomarkers

Biomarkers are critical in understanding how certain patients respond to medications, and in the case of lung cancer therapies, they can play a major role in enhancing treatment effectiveness. TROP2, a surface glycoprotein frequently overexpressed in numerous solid tumors, may serve as a critical target in current cancer therapies. Additionally, PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, presents potential for risk assessment and treatment planning in various malignancies.

The partnership with MD Anderson is not entirely new for Genprex. The companies have previously collaborated on multiple research agreements dating back to 2010, illustrating a longstanding commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovative research and clinical exploration.

Clinical Trials: Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3

The insights gained from studying TROP2 and PTEN will be pivotal in refining Genprex's patient selection strategies for the ongoing Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials. The Acclaim-1 trial explores the combination of Reqorsa and AstraZeneca's Tagrisso® for patients with late-stage NSCLC who exhibit specific genetic mutations. Positive early signs from the Phase 1 portion of Acclaim-1 showcased the treatment's tolerability and indicated preliminary efficacy, including instances of prolonged progression-free survival.

Meanwhile, Acclaim-3 investigates the pairing of Reqorsa with Genentech, Inc.’s Tecentriq® for maintenance therapy in extensive-stage SCLC. Following favorable Phase 1 results, Genprex is actively enrolling patients and focusing on maximizing clinical outcomes through refined selection processes.

Mark Berger, Chief Medical Officer at Genprex, highlighted the varying responses observed among clinical trial participants, noting that understanding these differences through biomarker identification can help predict future patient outcomes.

Genprex's Mission and Future Directions

Genprex remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative therapies that change lives. The company's gene therapy pipeline leverages its systemic, non-viral Oncoprex® Delivery System to address the deficiencies seen in tumor cells, ensuring the delivery of disease-fighting genes directly to the site of action. Its flagship product, Reqorsa, has received Fast Track Designation from the FDA, underscoring its potential in treating NSCLC and SCLC.

In conclusion, the collaborative research undertaken with MD Anderson not only supports Genprex’s commitment to enhancing lung cancer treatment options but also paves the way for more personalized approaches to patient care. This innovative research holds promise for millions of cancer patients, providing hope for effective treatments tailored to their unique genetic profiles.