Mesothelioma

The INTerpath-009 clinical trial demonstrates continued expansion of the INTerpath clinical program, as the third Phase 3 trial for the investigational individualized neoantigen therapy, V940 (mRNA-4157), focused on earlier stages of cancer RAHWAY, NJ & CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I October 28, 2024 I Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA), today announced the initiation of INTerpath-009, a pivotal Phase 3 randomized clinical trial evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157), an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy (INT), in combination with KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, as adjuvant treatment for patients with resectable Stage II, IIIA or IIIB (N2) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who did not achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after receiving neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Global recruitment in INTerpath-009 has begun, and the first patients have now started enrolling in Canada. “While the overall survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung cancer have significantly improved in recent years, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are pleased to expand the INTerpath clinical trial program with Moderna, evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157), a promising new modality, in combination with KEYTRUDA to pursue meaningful advances for lung cancer and bring more options to patients with earlier stages of disease, where we potentially can have the most impact.” “We are excited to build on our ongoing collaboration with our colleagues at Merck by expanding our research efforts for patients with NSCLC,” said Kyle Holen, M.D., Moderna’s senior vice president and head of development, Therapeutics and Oncology. “We believe that our mRNA technology has the potential to improve the outcomes of those affected by lung cancer and together, INTerpath-002 and INTerpath-009 are designed to demonstrate this potential in early-stage lung cancer, with and without prior neoadjuvant therapy.” Ongoing clinical development programs Merck and Moderna have initiated Phase 3 randomized clinical trials evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment in patients with resected high-risk (Stage IIB-IV) melanoma (INTerpath-001, NCT05933577 ) and non-small cell lung cancer (INTerpath-002, NCT06077760 ). In 2024, Merck and Moderna also initiated a two-part Phase 2/3 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in patients with resectable locally advanced Stage II-IV (M0) cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (INTerpath-007, NCT06295809 ), a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment in patients with intermediate-high-risk, high-risk, or M1 no evidence of disease renal cell carcinoma (INTerpath-004, NCT06307431 ), and a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment in patients with high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma post-radical resection (INTerpath-005, NCT06305767 ). About mRNA-4157 (V940) mRNA-4157 (V940) is a novel investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)-based individualized neoantigen therapy (INT) consisting of a synthetic mRNA coding for up to 34 neoantigens that is designed and produced based on the unique mutational signature of the DNA sequence of the patient’s tumor. Upon administration into the body, the algorithmically derived and RNA-encoded neoantigen sequences are endogenously translated and undergo natural cellular antigen processing and presentation, a key step in adaptive immunity. Individualized neoantigen therapies are designed to train and activate an antitumor immune response by generating specific T-cell responses based on the unique mutational signature of a patient’s tumor. KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. As previously announced from the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 trial evaluating patients with high-risk stage III/IV melanoma, combining mRNA-4157 (V940) with KEYTRUDA may provide a meaningful benefit over KEYTRUDA alone. Merck and Moderna continue to evaluate and expand the V940 INTerpath clinical development program for additional tumor types and treatment settings. About INTerpath-009 ( NCT06623422 ) INTerpath-009 is a global, randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial evaluating 680 patients with resected (R0 or R1) Stage II, IIIA, IIIB (N2) NSCLC who did not achieve a pCR after neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Following surgical resection, participants 18 years and older will be randomized 1:1 to receive either V940 (mRNA-4157) (1 mg every three weeks for up to nine doses) and KEYTRUDA (400 mg every six weeks up to seven cycles) or placebo (1 mg every three weeks for up to nine doses) and KEYTRUDA (400 mg every six weeks up to seven cycles). The primary endpoint is disease-free survival (DFS), defined as the time from randomization to any recurrence (local, locoregional, regional, or distant), occurrence of new primary NSCLC, as assessed by the investigator, or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. The secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), DFS2, lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS), safety, and quality of life. Key eligibility criteria for the trial include: patients who have histologically/cytologically confirmed diagnosis of Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (N2) NSCLC (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] 8th Edition), have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, no pCR by local testing after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus KEYTRUDA, completed surgery, with no disease by baseline imaging , and exclude epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. For further information, please see the clinicaltrials.gov page for INTerpath-009. About lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In 2022 alone, there were approximately 2.4 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer globally. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. In 2024, the overall five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with lung cancer is 25% in the United States. Improved survival rates are due, in part, to earlier detection and screening, reduction in smoking, advances in diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as the introduction of new therapies. Early detection and screening remain an important unmet need, as 44% of lung cancer cases are not found until they are advanced. About KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD- L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells. Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient’s likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers. Selected KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. Melanoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy. Urothelial Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Gastric Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval of this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. KEYTRUDA, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Esophageal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: Cervical Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), is indicated for the treatment of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Hepatocellular Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. Biliary Tract Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC). Merkel Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Renal Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. Endometrial Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Merck’s focus on cancer Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials . About Merck’s research in lung cancer Merck is advancing research aimed at transforming the way lung cancer is treated, with a goal of improving outcomes for patients affected by this deadly disease. Through nearly 200 clinical trials evaluating more than 36,000 patients around the world, Merck is at the forefront of lung cancer research. In NSCLC, KEYTRUDA has six approved U.S. indications (see indications below) and is approved for advanced disease in more than 95 countries. Among Merck’s research efforts are trials focused on evaluating KEYTRUDA in earlier stages of lung cancer as well as identifying new combinations and coformulations with KEYTRUDA. About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . About Moderna Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna’s mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit modernatx.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Moderna’s focus on cancer At Moderna, we are delivering on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. We are relentlessly working to grow our cancer therapeutic modality by discovering mRNA medicines that harness the body’s immune system to identify and kill cancer cells in the same way the immune system identifies and targets infections. One example of a promising oncology candidate is the creation of individualized, mRNA-based cancer therapies. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic collaborations that increase our potential to improve treatment options for patients with cancer. SOURCE: Merck

Preclinical Data Presented at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics AUSTIN, Texas , Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, today announced that research collaborators delivered poster presentations at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics held October 23-25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. The collaborators presented posters on positive preclinical data from studies of Genprex's lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), for the treatment of Ras inhibitor resistant lung cancer, mesothelioma and glioblastoma. "We are pleased by this promising preclinical data, presented before a prestigious audience of oncology researchers, of REQORSA's potential in serious and difficult to treat cancers including KRAS G12C mutant lung cancer, mesothelioma, and glioblastoma," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex. "The role of TUSC2 in lung cancer has been well established, and TUSC2 restoration is being evaluated clinically. However, we are highly encouraged by our preclinical programs expanding the potential use of REQORSA to treat a variety of cancer indications, where patient populations have unmet medical needs." Genprex has filed two provisional patent applications based on data from two of the presentations. One application involves using REQORSA to treat mesothelioma and the other uses REQORSA to treat glioblastoma. Genprex is a co-owner of the applications along with the respective institutions. TUSC2 is the tumor suppressor gene used in REQORSA. Last month, Genprex announced the formation of its Mesothelioma Clinical Advisory Board to support the Company's preclinical mesothelioma oncology program. The Board is comprised of four world-renown researchers from major research institutions specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma. Featured Genprex-supported posters presented at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics include: Title: "TUSC2 Gene Therapy in KRASG12C Mutant NSCLC Overcomes Acquired Resistance to Sotorasib" Collaborator: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Catalog Number: 384 Presentation Number: PB372 Title: "TUSC2 Suppresses Tumorigenic Properties in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cells" Collaborator: New York University Langone Health Catalog Number: 364 Presentation Number: PB352 Title: "Efficacy of Quaratusugene Ozeplasmid (REQORSA) TUSC2 Gene Therapy in Glioblastoma" Collaborator: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Catalog Number: 130 Presentation Number: PB118 To review the posters in detail, please visit Genprex's website, where they are available to download. About Reqorsa® Gene Therapy REQORSA (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) consists of a plasmid containing the TUSC2 gene encapsulated in non-viral lipid-based nanoparticles in a lipoplex form (the Company's Oncoprex® Delivery System), which has a positive charge. REQORSA is injected intravenously and specifically targets cancer cells. REQORSA is designed to deliver the functioning TUSC2 gene to negatively charged cancer cells while minimizing uptake by normal tissue. Laboratory studies conducted at MD Anderson show that the uptake of TUSC2 in tumor cells in vitro after REQORSA treatment was 10 to 33 times the uptake in normal cells. About Genprex, Inc. Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes. Genprex's technologies are designed to administer disease-fighting genes to provide new therapies for large patient populations with cancer and diabetes who currently have limited treatment options. Genprex works with world-class institutions and collaborators to develop drug candidates to further its pipeline of gene therapies in order to provide novel treatment approaches. Genprex's oncology program utilizes its systemic, non-viral Oncoprex® Delivery System which encapsulates the gene-expressing plasmids using lipid-based nanoparticles in a lipoplex form. The resultant product is administered intravenously, where it is taken up by tumor cells that then express tumor suppressor proteins that were deficient in the tumor. The Company's lead product candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), is being evaluated in two clinical trials as a treatment for NSCLC and SCLC. Each of Genprex's lung cancer clinical programs has received a Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the treatment of that patient population, and Genprex's SCLC program has received an FDA Orphan Drug Designation. Genprex's diabetes gene therapy approach is comprised of a novel infusion process that uses an AAV vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas. In models of Type 1 diabetes, GPX-002 transforms alpha cells in the pancreas into functional beta-like cells, which can produce insulin but may be distinct enough from beta cells to evade the body's immune system. In a similar approach, GPX-002 for Type 2 diabetes, where autoimmunity is not at play, is believed to rejuvenate and replenish exhausted beta cells. Interested investors and shareholders are encouraged to sign up for press releases and industry updates by visiting the Company Website, registering for Email Alerts and by following Genprex on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Genprex's reports that it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which you should review, including those statements under "Item 1A – Risk Factors" in Genprex's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: REQORSA's potential as a therapeutic treatment in inhibitor resistant lung cancer, mesothelioma and glioblastoma; Genprex's ability to advance the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of its product candidates in accordance with projected timelines and specifications; the timing and success of Genprex's clinical trials and regulatory approvals; the effect of Genprex's product candidates, alone and in combination with other therapies, on cancer and diabetes; the effects of any strategic research and development prioritization initiatives, and any other strategic alternatives or other efforts that Genprex takes or may take in the future that are aimed at optimizing and re-focusing Genprex's diabetes, oncology and/or other clinical development programs including prioritization of resources, and the extent to which Genprex is able to implement such efforts and initiatives successfully to achieve the desired and intended results thereof; Genprex's future growth and financial status, including Genprex's ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market and to continue as a going concern and to obtain capital to meet its long-term liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all; Genprex's commercial and strategic partnerships, including those with its third party vendors, suppliers and manufacturers and their ability to successfully perform and scale up the manufacture of its product candidates; and Genprex's intellectual property and licenses. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Genprex cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Genprex or any other person that Genprex will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Genprex disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Genprex, Inc. (877) 774-GNPX (4679) GNPX Investor Relations [email protected] GNPX Media Contact Kalyn Dabbs [email protected] SOURCE Genprex, Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Oslo, October 25, 2024: Ultimovacs ASA (“Ultimovacs”) (OSE ULTI), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapeutic cancer vaccines, today announced that the results from Phase II FOCUS trial (NCT05075122) have been published online on the preprint platform medRxiv. As previously reported, topline data readout demonstrated that adding UV1 to the standard of care pembrolizumab did not lead to clinical benefits in progression free survival or overall survival in the late-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients recruited in the study. The study therefore did not meet its primary and secondary endpoints. UV1 continued to demonstrate a positive safety profile in line with other UV1 studies with similar events observed in the control arm and good tolerability. ==ENDS== About FOCUSThe FOCUS trial (First-line metastatic Or recurrent HNSCC/Checkpoint inhibitor UV1 Study) is an investigator-sponsored, randomized, open label Phase II clinical trial. The primary objective of this study is to determine the clinical performance of UV1 vaccination as add on to standard pembrolizumab treatment as a first-line treatment in metastatic patients or a second-line treatment in patients with recurrent PD-L1 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Professor Mascha Binder is the principal investigator for the trial, which is sponsored by the Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg in Germany. The first patient in the FOCUS trial was enrolled in August 2021, and patients have been treated at 10 sites across Germany. The trial is investigating the tolerability and efficacy addition of UV1 to standard of care treatment with programmed death receptor-1 (PD 1)-blocking antibody pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy. The 75 patients indicated for treatment with pembrolizumab have been randomized 2-to-1 so that 50 patients will receive UV1 and pembrolizumab and 25 patients will receive pembrolizumab alone. The primary endpoint is PFS rate at 6 months after first administration of study medication. Secondary endpoints include PFS and OS (overall survival, by Kaplan-Meier estimate), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR) and safety, with minimum 12 months follow-up. As OS is recognized as the determining efficacy measure in guiding further development in this cancer indication, the topline results will be disclosed 12 months after enrollment of the last patient, allowing simultaneous disclosure of both PFS and OS. About UV1UV1 is a universal cancer vaccine designed to induce a specific T cell response against telomerase. UV1 consists of long, synthetic peptides, representing a sequence in the reverse transcriptase subunit of telomerase (hTERT), shown to induce CD4+ T cells. These CD4+ T cells have the potential to provide inflammatory signals and T cell support that are believed to be critical for triggering a strong anti-tumor immune response. Following intradermal injection, antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the skin are exposed to the vaccine peptides. These APCs will process the peptides, and present vaccine epitopes on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules to naïve T cells in the lymph nodes. Activated vaccine-specific T cells will then enter the circulation and search for cells displaying their cognate antigen in the context of HLA molecules. The UV1 peptides contain several epitopes, shown to be non-restrictive in terms of (HLA) alleles for presentation. It is therefore not required to perform HLA pre-screening of patients, which potentially enables broad population utilization of the vaccine. UV1 is administered over three months as eight intradermal injections together with the immune-modulator, GM-CSF. About UltimovacsUltimovacs is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies against cancer. The product candidate UV1 is an off-the-shelf therapeutic cancer vaccine designed to enhance the benefits of immunotherapy and improve cancer treatment efficacy for patients. UV1 triggers an immune response against the shared cancer antigen telomerase, a target present in 85-90% of all cancer indications across disease stages. Ultimovacs is investigating the safety and efficacy of UV1 in a wide-ranging clinical development program including various cancer indications and different immunotherapy combinations. The ongoing Phase II program comprises five randomized clinical trials in melanoma, mesothelioma, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. More than 640 patients in the U.S., Europe, and Australia are being enrolled in all Phase I and Phase II trials in the current program. Furthermore, Ultimovacs is developing a novel conjugation technology, initially formed to support the expansion of our vaccine pipeline. With the objective of driving value and future pipeline growth, this flexible conjugation technology has the potential to be broadly applicable to a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as innovative drug conjugates with favorable pharmacological properties, and in multiple disease areas. Ultimovacs is listed on the Euronext Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE:ULTI). For further information, please see www.ultimovacs.com or contact: Carlos de Sousa, CEOEmail: carlos.desousa@ultimovacs.com Phone: +47 908 92507 Hans Vassgård Eid, CFO Email: hans.eid@ultimovacs.comPhone: +47 482 48632