#United States #Austin #NYU Langone #Genprex #Reqorsa

Genprex Partners with NYU Langone Health for Revolutionary Mesothelioma Treatment

Genprex, Inc., a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has recently announced a pivotal exclusive technology license agreement with NYU Langone Health, a renowned medical institution. This collaboration aims to bolster Genprex's oncology portfolio by focusing on the groundbreaking Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, specifically meant for treating mesothelioma, a cancer notoriously challenging to manage.

The Move to Advance Cancer Treatments

Under this new agreement, Genprex secures patent exclusivity for Reqorsa, known scientifically as quaratusugene ozeplasmid. The drug candidate targets mesothelioma, a disease that forms in the lining of internal organs. This partnership underscores Genprex’s commitment to expanding its research and development capabilities in the field of oncology, aiming to provide innovative therapies for patients diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer.

Thomas Gallagher, Genprex’s Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing, expressed enthusiasm over the expansion of their oncology franchise. He stated, "We are pleased to enhance our intellectual property portfolio and research activities focused on Reqorsa, which holds potential to serve as an effective therapeutic treatment for mesothelioma."

Groundbreaking Research Insights

Mesothelioma affects a limited number of people, with approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. The disease primarily impacts the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs, but other forms exist as well. In 2024, preclinical studies showcased promising outcomes for Reqorsa, revealing its ability to significantly reduce cell proliferation in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cell lines.

Research conducted at NYU Langone Health presented data at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics. The results indicated that treatment with Reqorsa led to a noteworthy decrease in cancer cell proliferation and invasion while simultaneously increasing apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death that is often dysfunctional in cancer cells.

Future Directions in Clinical Trials

To further solidify its commitment to advancing treatments for mesothelioma, Genprex has formed a Mesothelioma Clinical Advisory Board, comprising esteemed researchers from major institutions specializing in the disease. This board aims to provide essential insights as Genprex's oncology pipeline continues to evolve.

The standard treatment for mesothelioma often falls short, and the average life expectancy for patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is dishearteningly low, estimated at just 18 months. Genprex’s Reqorsa Gene Therapy, by delivering the tumor suppressor gene TUSC2 directly to cancer cells, presents a novel approach in the quest for effective therapies. The approach entails encapsulating the TUSC2 gene within lipid-based nanoparticles, enhancing its delivery and efficacy specifically targeting cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissue.

Potential Impact on Patient Care

The findings from Genprex's collaborations and clinical trials suggest that Reqorsa could alter the treatment landscape significantly for patients facing mesothelioma, a cancer that has been notoriously difficult to treat. As noted by industry experts, ongoing developments in gene therapies like Reqorsa may pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment options that could extend survival rates and improve quality of life.

As this new partnership progresses, stakeholders and patients alike are cautiously optimistic about the potential breakthroughs that could emerge from Genprex and NYU Langone Health's concerted efforts. With the goal of enhancing patient outcomes in mind, Genprex continues to spearhead innovative research that may change the future of cancer therapies.