Genprex Secures European Patent for Innovative Gene Therapy to Combat Cancer
Genprex Secures European Patent for Innovative Cancer Treatment
In an exciting development for cancer therapeutics, Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has announced the European Patent Office's (EPO) intent to grant them a patent for the combination of their innovative Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) with PD-1 antibodies designed to effectively treat cancer.
Thomas Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Genprex, commented on the significance of this patent, stating, "We are pleased to continue bolstering our patent estate, which includes multiple patents for the use of REQORSA in combination with both PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies across many markets." This news comes as a major boost to the company's intellectual property portfolio and offers additional protection for their groundbreaking gene therapy, in a market where patent security is critical for sustainability and investment attraction.
The new patent aligns with previously granted patents in various countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. These patents cover the innovative approach that positions Reqorsa® to synergize with established cancer treatment modalities, specifically targeting lung cancer, which holds a staggering mortality rate across Europe and globally.
Background Context: The Urgency in Lung Cancer Treatment
According to statistics from Eurostat, lung cancer was responsible for nearly 250,000 deaths in the EU alone in 2021, accounting for 20% of all cancer-related fatalities. Moreover, data indicates that lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, reflecting about 2.48 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022. Lung cancer remains a primary area of concern as it continues to dominate cancer mortality rates, illustrating an urgent need for more effective treatments.
Reqorsa aims to bridge this gap by combining gene therapy with current cancer drugs. Preclinical studies have highlighted its potential to work synergistically with both targeted therapies and immunotherapies, paving the way for improved treatment options for patients battling lung cancer and potentially other types of cancer. The combination therapy exploits the immune system's response by using PD-1 antibodies to enhance the tumor’s susceptibility to treatment.
Future Prospects of Reqorsa Gene Therapy
Genprex is not only focused on lung cancer but also striving to address other forms of cancer and diabetes. Their comprehensive pipeline includes the Oncoprex® Delivery System, which utilizes lipid-based nanoparticles for the administration of gene-expressing plasmids. The therapy is administered intravenously, allowing for a direct effect on tumor cells, facilitating the expression of tumor suppressor proteins.
Their diabetes program also takes a novel approach with GPX-002, which uses a unique infusion process to potentially regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, providing new hope for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The granting of this European patent represents a significant step for Genprex in their mission to offer innovative solutions where options may be limited. As they prepare to advance their clinical trials and further develop their pipeline of gene therapies, the company encourages interested investors and stakeholders to stay updated through various channels, including their official website and social media platforms.
This development signifies a substantial stride towards more efficient treatments in a healthcare landscape where effective options for lung cancer remain limited. As Genprex strengthens its patent estate, the focus remains not just on protecting their innovations but also on revolutionizing treatment paradigms that can significantly affect patient outcomes worldwide.