AUSTIN, Texas – Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:), a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has obtained an exclusive license from the University of Michigan for a patented gene therapy technology. The license pertains to the combination of Genprex’s lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, with ALK-inhibitors for the potential treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer.
The agreement grants Genprex worldwide rights to the University’s intellectual property related to this combination therapy. Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Genprex, Thomas Gallagher, Esq., emphasized the importance of strengthening the company’s patent portfolio. He noted that preclinical data suggest that Reqorsa could be beneficial for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer, a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Reqorsa, also known as quaratusugene ozeplasmid, is designed to deliver the TUSC2 gene to cancer cells, potentially interrupting cell signaling pathways that cause cancer cell proliferation and re-establishing apoptotic pathways. The therapy uses Genprex’s ONCOPREX® Delivery System, a non-viral nanoparticle delivery method.
Research collaborators at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center presented positive preclinical data at the April 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. The study indicated that Reqorsa induced apoptosis in alectinib resistant EML4-ALK positive NSCLC cell lines and was effective in decreasing cell growth and proliferation.
Genprex’s strategy involves developing Reqorsa in combination with approved therapies, with the aim of improving treatment options for patients with NSCLC, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and potentially other cancers. The company’s lead product candidate is currently being evaluated in two clinical trials for NSCLC and SCLC and has received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for both lung cancer programs. Additionally, the SCLC program has been granted an FDA Orphan Drug Designation.
The company is focused on advancing life-changing therapies for large patient populations with cancer and diabetes who have limited treatment options. Genprex’s diabetes gene therapy approach involves delivering genes directly to the pancreas to transform alpha cells into insulin-producing beta-like cells.
This news is based on a press release statement from Genprex, Inc. and does not include any additional analysis or commentary. The forward-looking statements in the press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected.
In other recent news, Genprex, Inc., a Texas-based pharmaceutical company, has been facing a potential delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market due to an equity shortfall. Despite this, Genprex has reported promising preclinical data on its lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, for its potential in modulating immune responses in cancer. Analyst firm H.C. Wainwright has initiated coverage of Genprex’s stock with a Buy rating. Additionally, Genprex has also regained compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement, resolving a previous non-compliance issue. The company’s Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials for lung cancer treatments have shown favorable safety results. Genprex has 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. These are some of the recent developments at Genprex, Inc. in its ongoing commitment to advancing gene therapies for large patient populations with limited treatment options.
InvestingPro Insights
Genprex’s recent licensing agreement with the University of Michigan aligns with its strategy to expand its intellectual property portfolio and advance its gene therapy treatments. However, investors should be aware of the company’s current financial position and market performance.
According to InvestingPro data, Genprex has a market capitalization of just $4.55 million, reflecting its early-stage status. The company’s operating income stands at -$22.83 million for the last twelve months as of Q3 2023, underscoring the significant investments being made in research and development.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Genprex holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which could be crucial for funding its ongoing clinical trials and research efforts. However, the company is not profitable over the last twelve months, and analysts do not anticipate profitability this year. This is typical for clinical-stage biotech companies focused on developing novel therapies.
The stock has experienced high volatility, with a strong return of 211.14% over the last month, but a significant decline of 87.62% over the past year. This volatility aligns with the InvestingPro Tip indicating that the stock generally trades with high price volatility, which is common in the biotech sector, especially for companies at critical stages of drug development.
For investors interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips for Genprex, providing a more comprehensive view of the company’s financial health and market position.
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