AUSTIN, Texas - Genprex , Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has initiated a research collaboration with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and the non-profit group ALK Positive to study a potential new treatment for a specific form of lung cancer. The company announced its partnership to investigate the effectiveness of its lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, in combination with ALK-inhibitors for patients with ALK-EML4 positive translocated lung cancer.
This research is particularly focused on the TUSC2 gene, which is commonly deleted or inactive in certain cancers and is a central component of Reqorsa®. Preclinical data suggests that the combination of Reqorsa® with ALK-inhibitors could inhibit cancer cell growth and trigger cell death in ALK+ non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), a subset that accounts for approximately 5% of NSCLC cases.
Genprex's President and CEO, Ryan Confer, expressed optimism about the potential of this combination therapy to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ALK+ lung cancer. The company is also looking to expand its research program to other tumor targets.
The collaboration will see Genprex and ALK Positive sharing the costs of the Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Findings from the initiative were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April 2024, indicating that REQORSA could be effective in cell lines resistant to the ALK-inhibitor alectinib.
ALK+ lung cancer typically affects younger, relatively healthy individuals, and despite the availability of FDA-approved ALK-targeted therapies, resistance often develops, leaving room for improvement in treatment options.
Reqorsa® Gene Therapy employs a non-viral delivery system to administer the TUSC2 gene directly to cancer cells. Genprex believes that Reqorsa®'s unique attributes may offer enhanced treatments in combination with existing therapies for NSCLC, SCLC, and potentially other cancers.
This announcement is based on a press release statement from Genprex, Inc.
In other recent news, Genprex, Inc. has made significant strides in its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials for lung cancer treatments. The Acclaim-1 trial, which combines Genprex's Reqorsa® Gene Therapy with AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN)'s Tagrisso®, has reported prolonged progression-free survival in two patients. The Acclaim-3 trial, combining Reqorsa with Genentech's Tecentriq® for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), noted a partial remission in the first treated patient.
In addition, Genprex has formed a Mesothelioma Clinical Advisory Board to enhance its research efforts in treating mesothelioma. The company has also announced plans to spin off its diabetes gene therapy program into a new subsidiary, NewCo, to focus on the development of GPX-002, a gene therapy drug candidate for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
However, Genprex faces potential delisting from Nasdaq due to a failure to meet the minimum bid price requirement. The company has until March 25, 2025, to regain compliance. Despite the delisting warning, the analyst firm H.C. Wainwright has initiated coverage of Genprex's stock with a Buy rating. These developments reflect Genprex's ongoing efforts to advance its pharmaceutical preparations in the biotechnology sector.
InvestingPro Insights
Genprex's recent collaboration with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and ALK Positive aligns with the company's innovative approach in the gene therapy space. Despite its promising research initiatives, InvestingPro data reveals that Genprex faces financial challenges, with a market capitalization of just $8.24 million and an operating income of -$26.29 million over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Genprex holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which could provide some financial flexibility as it pursues its research and development efforts. However, the company is not profitable over the last twelve months, and analysts do not anticipate profitability this year. This financial situation underscores the importance of the potential success of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy for the company's future.
The stock has shown significant volatility, with a strong return of 568.69% over the last month, but a -73.31% return over the past year. This volatility reflects the speculative nature of biotech stocks, especially those focused on novel cancer treatments.
For investors interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 12 additional tips for Genprex, providing a more comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.