#USA #Austin #Lung Cancer #Genprex #Reqorsa

Promising Developments for Lung Cancer Treatment with Genprex's Reqorsa® Gene Therapy

In recent developments, Genprex, Inc. has announced the presentation of positive preclinical data regarding their gene therapy product, Reqorsa® (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), set to take place at the 2025 AACR-NCI-EROTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Boston. This data signifies a pivotal moment in the fight against ALK-EML4 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a form of cancer that comprises approximately 5% of NSCLC diagnoses.

Understanding the Data

The promising study reveals that Reqorsa®, either alone or alongside the existing drug, alectinib, shrinks tumors by an impressive 79%. This marks a significant improvement over alectinib, which alone reduces tumor size by about 60%. This compelling evidence indicates that Reqorsa® might not only be effective as a standalone therapy but could also serve as a strong companion drug for patients whose cancer has advanced beyond the reach of existing treatment options.

Ryan Confer, the President and CEO of Genprex, expressed excitement over the findings, highlighting that the results provide a robust basis for a future clinical trial involving Reqorsa®. The study's results showcase the potential of reqorsa acting as a transformative therapy for those patients who have developed resistance to ALK inhibitors like alectinib. This urgent need for new treatment strategies cannot be overstated, given the challenges faced by patients with ALK positive lung cancers.

A Closer Look at the Research

The research, conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center, highlights the critical role of the Tumor Suppressor Candidate 2 (TUSC2) gene, which Reqorsa® aims to deliver effectively to cancer cells. TUSC2 is known for its low endogenous expression in NSCLC, making its delivery crucial for inhibiting cancer cell growth. By utilizing a non-viral lipid nanoparticle system, Reqorsa® promises targeted delivery of the TUSC2 gene, intending to induce tumor cell death through caspase activity and apoptosis.

In preclinical studies, the efficacy of Reqorsa® was tested on various ALK positive cell lines and patient-derived organoids. Findings indicated that the presence of TUSC2 significantly increased apoptosis, indicating that the treated cancer cells were unable to survive. Moreover, the combination therapy of Reqorsa® and alectinib demonstrated a reduced cell viability in resistant ALK+ cell lines, reinforcing the need for further exploration of this promising avenue.

Future Pathways

Moving forward, Genprex is optimistic about initiating a clinical trial based on these findings. The current trajectory of their research not only offers hope for improved outcomes in lung cancer treatment but also signifies the potential for Reqorsa® to be a viable alternative for patients unable to tolerate current treatments.

The upcoming poster session at the AACR-NCI-EROTC conference will be the first public showcase of this state-of-the-art research, and it will undoubtedly attract interest from healthcare professionals and stakeholders eager to learn about new advancements in cancer therapies. As Genprex continues to navigate and contribute to the gene therapy landscape, they remain committed to changing the lives of patients with limited treatment options.

Ultimately, the presentation of Reqorsa® at this well-respected conference not only highlights Genprex’s innovative approach in cancer therapy but also serves to increase awareness about the pressing need for effective treatment solutions in the increasingly complex field of oncology.