#USA #Austin #Genprex #Reqorsa #PD-L1

Genprex Enhances Its Patent Portfolio for Reqorsa® Gene Therapy

In a significant move to bolster its innovative cancer treatment capabilities, Genprex, Inc., a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has announced the issuance of a Notice of Allowance by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for multiple patents. These patents specifically cover the use of Genprex's lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, in conjunction with PD-L1 antibodies, like Tecentriq®. In a parallel development, the European Patent Office has also granted a Notice of Allowance for patents related to the combination of Reqorsa with PD-1 antibodies.

These newly acquired patents will remain effective until at least 2037, forming a critical part of Genprex's strategy to establish a comprehensive intellectual property fortress around its oncology program involving Reqorsa. Thomas Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Genprex, expressed pride in these advancements, highlighting their importance for ongoing and future clinical trials like Acclaim-3, which utilizes immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Genprex's expansion into international markets is further demonstrated through the granting of similar patents for Reqorsa in countries including Korea. The company is actively pursuing additional patent protections in Europe, Canada, Brazil, China, and Israel, aiming to reinforce its position in the competitive gene therapy landscape.

Moreover, Genprex has already secured patents for the application of Reqorsa together with PD-1 antibodies in a variety of countries such as the U.S., Japan, Mexico, Russia, Australia, and several others across both Asia and Europe.

Understanding PD-L1 and PD-1 Antibodies

PD-L1 and PD-1 antibodies are classified as targeted immunotherapies, belonging to a category known as checkpoint inhibitors. These therapies work by obstructing the activity of PD-L1 and PD-1 immune checkpoint proteins found on cellular surfaces, effectively enhancing the immune system's ability to combat cancer tumors.

The Acclaim-3 clinical trial is pivotal for evaluating Reqorsa® Gene Therapy combined with Genentech's Tecentriq® as a maintenance therapy for patients diagnosed with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This group of patients is chosen due to their suitability for maintenance therapy following initial treatments with Tecentriq and chemotherapy. The Acclaim-3 trial has been granted FDA Fast Track Designation, a significant recognition that highlights its importance in addressing critical treatment gaps in the specified patient population. The project has also been awarded FDA Orphan Drug Designation, recognizing the need for novel therapeutic options in rare diseases.

Genprex's Vision for Future Therapies

Genprex, Inc. is at the forefront of developing transformative therapies, focusing on patients currently faced with limited treatment options for cancer and diabetes. Their unique methodologies harness gene therapy approaches that aim to tackle fundamental disease mechanisms, thereby revolutionizing care standards for patients.

Utilizing the systemic, non-viral Oncoprex® Delivery System, Genprex encapsulates therapeutic genes in lipid-based nanoparticles for intravenous administration. This innovative delivery method allows accurate targeting of tumor cells, which can then restore the expression of tumor suppressor proteins that have been deficient.

In addition to its oncology initiatives, Genprex is advancing its diabetes gene therapy which employs an AAV vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly into the pancreas. This promising approach holds potential for transforming alpha cells into functional beta-like cells capable of generating insulin, a breakthrough for Type 1 diabetes patients. In Type 2 diabetes models, the therapy aims to rejuvenate and replenish depleted beta cells.

As Genprex continues its pivotal role in the gene therapy arena, investors and stakeholders are encouraged to remain engaged for updates and insights by visiting the company’s website and following them across social media channels. The innovative work at Genprex epitomizes the future of targeted therapies aimed at saving lives and transforming treatment paradigms across major diseases.