The researchers presented preclinical data showing that Reqorsa can induce apoptosis in alectinib resistant EML4-ALK positive NSCLC cell lines. Credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock.

Genprex has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with the US University of Michigan for lung cancer therapy, Reqorsa.

The company secured global rights to the university’s patents related to its Reqorsa gene therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), along with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-inhibitors for treating ALK-echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-positive translocated lung cancer.

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The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center’s Judith Tam ALK [anaplastic lymphoma kinase] lung cancer research initiative researchers have presented encouraging preclinical data, showing that Reqorsa could induce apoptosis in alectinib resistant EML4-ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines.

The study showed that overexpressing tumour suppressor candidate 2 (TUSC2), a gene frequently deleted in lung cancer, using Reqorsa or a TUSC2-containing plasmid, reduced cell growth and proliferation in ALK+ NSCLC cell lines by activating apoptotic pathways. This supports the potential of Reqorsa as a treatment strategy for anti-ALK NSCLC.

As Genprex believes, this research suggests that the therapy could be an effective treatment for NSCLC patients who are progressing on ALK inhibitors.

Reqorsa, which consists of a TUSC2 gene-expressing plasmid encapsulated in Genprex’s ONCOPREX delivery system, targets cancer cells through their negative electrical charge when injected intravenously.

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Genprex intellectual property and licensing senior vice-president Thomas Gallagher stated: “We continue to bolster our intellectual property portfolio for REQORSA, understanding that our lead drug candidate may benefit patients with many types of cancers.

“Positive preclinical data indicate that REQORSA in combination with ALK inhibitors may provide benefit to patients with ALK-positive lung cancer.

“We are pleased to be able to protect this drug combination for a new subset of lung cancer patients, which widens our exclusivity of drug combinations with REQORSA and enhances our intellectual property position.”

Reqorsa gene therapy is currently undergoing evaluation in two trials for NSCLC and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Both lung cancer clinical programmes have received fast track status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the SCLC programme has also been granted FDA orphan drug status.

The company is also exploring a diabetes gene therapy approach.

Cell & Gene Therapy coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology is supported by Cytiva.

Editorial content is independently produced and follows the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Topic sponsors are not involved in the creation of editorial content.