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Genprex Expands Gene Therapy Capabilities with New Licensing Agreement

In a significant development, Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy firm, announced an exclusive patent license agreement with UTHealth Houston. This agreement centers around Genprex's lead candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), aiming to expand treatment options for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Details of the Exclusive Agreement

The newly established partnership grants Genprex comprehensive commercial rights surrounding the use of Reqorsa in the context of glioblastoma treatment. Additionally, the license enhances Genprex's portfolio, incorporating a technology that utilizes REQORSA—a gene therapy designed to target cancer cells effectively.

Thomas Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Genprex, expressed enthusiasm about the licensing agreement, stating, "With this license agreement, Genprex has secured exclusive rights to REQORSA in glioblastoma, thereby augmenting our patent estate. This technology is particularly crucial as glioblastoma often proves resistant to existing treatments and presents a substantial unmet medical need."

The Role of Reqorsa in Cancer Treatment

Reqorsa, a gene therapy, aims to deliver the TUSC2 gene directly to cancer cells. Recent studies conducted at UTHealth Houston provided promising results, demonstrating that Reqorsa effectively reduced the viability of glioblastoma cells. Researchers utilized patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines, observing that Reqorsa not only inhibited cell viability but also restrained cell migration, significant for patients battling this difficult-to-treat cancer.

This advancement builds on previous findings where the TUSC2 gene was recognized as a novel tumor suppressor, enhancing the potential for Reqorsa in clinical applications. The potential of Reqorsa as a treatment for glioblastoma appears promising, warranting further exploration through in vivo studies.

An Overview of Reqorsa Gene Therapy

Reqorsa consists of a specially designed plasmid containing the TUSC2 gene, which is encapsulated in lipid-based nanoparticles formatted to target negatively charged cancer cells. The unique delivery system minimizes uptake by healthy tissues, optimizing the therapeutic impact on tumor cells. It is delivered intravenously, focusing its action on malignancies and enhancing the efficacy of treatment.

Earlier laboratory studies from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center indicated robust uptake of TUSC2 in tumor cells post-REQORSA treatment, significantly exceeding uptake in normal cells.

About Genprex

Genprex is dedicated to developing transformative therapies for cancer and diabetes through its innovative gene therapy approaches. With a commitment to addressing significant healthcare challenges, the company collaborates with leading institutions to bolster its research and development capabilities.

Their lead product, Reqorsa, is currently being investigated in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Importantly, both clinical programs have received Fast Track Designation from the FDA, reflecting their critical potential in addressing treatment gaps.

Looking Ahead

The exclusive licensing agreement with UTHealth Houston opens new avenues for Genprex, aiming to not only expand the potential applications of Reqorsa but to also strengthen the fight against glioblastoma and similar challenging cancers. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, Genprex positions itself as a pivotal player leveraging gene therapy to advance patient care.

Investors and interested parties are encouraged to follow Genprex’s progress by visiting their official website and subscribing to updates. This innovative approach in gene therapy stands as a beacon of hope for many patients facing dire diagnoses.

For more information, visit Genprex’s website and stay tuned for further developments in their research.

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