Genprex to Present Positive Preclinical Data on Reqorsa® at 2024 SITC Meeting

Genprex, Inc., a clinical-stage gene therapy company specializing in treatments for cancer and diabetes, recently announced that its research partners at Meharry Medical College have been chosen to present at the 39th Annual Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Meeting. This event will be held from November 6-10, 2024, in Houston, Texas. The presentation will spotlight promising preclinical data on Genprex's lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), particularly focusing on the TUSC2 gene's role in modulating immune responses in cancer.

Ryan Confer, President and CEO of Genprex, expressed satisfaction with the growing body of evidence supporting Reqorsa’s potential in treating various cancers. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming presentation, which will detail the role of TUSC2 in managing immune responses to cancer. The poster, titled "TUSC2 Modulates Cancer Immune Responses," will be presented by collaborators from Meharry Medical College.

The TUSC2 gene serves as a tumor suppressor in Reqorsa. The gene therapy involves a TUSC2 gene-expressing plasmid encapsulated in lipid-based nanoparticles, forming a positively charged lipoplex—the Oncoprex® Delivery System. This system specifically targets cancer cells when injected intravenously, delivering the functional TUSC2 gene to negatively charged cancer cells while minimizing uptake by normal tissues. Laboratory studies at MD Anderson have demonstrated that TUSC2 uptake in tumor cells following Reqorsa treatment was significantly higher—10 to 33 times—compared to normal cells.

Genprex, Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to developing transformative therapies for cancer and diabetes patients. The company's technology aims to administer disease-fighting genes, providing new treatment options for large patient populations that currently have limited alternatives. Genprex collaborates with world-class institutions and partners to advance its pipeline of innovative gene therapies.

The company’s lead product, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Both lung cancer programs have received Fast Track Designation from the FDA, and the SCLC program has also been granted Orphan Drug Designation. In addition to its oncology program, Genprex is also developing a gene therapy for diabetes. This approach uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas. In Type 1 diabetes models, GPX-002 has been shown to transform alpha cells into functional beta-like cells capable of producing insulin while potentially avoiding immune system attacks. Similarly, for Type 2 diabetes, GPX-002 aims to rejuvenate and replenish exhausted beta cells, where autoimmunity is not a concern.

Genprex’s groundbreaking work continues to attract attention and support, as the company strives to bring new, effective treatments to patients in need. The upcoming presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Meeting marks another significant step in showcasing the potential of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy in the fight against cancer.