April 21, 2026 —
Genprex announced a new sponsored research agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center to investigate predictive biomarkers for its lead gene therapy candidate, Reqorsa® (quaratusugene ozeplasmid). The collaboration aims to identify patient populations most likely to respond to the therapy, advancing precision oncology approaches in lung cancer treatment.
Reqorsa is a first-in-class non-viral plasmid gene therapy designed to deliver the tumor suppressor gene TUSC2 using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This approach enables targeted delivery to cancer cells without relying on viral vectors, representing a differentiated strategy within the gene therapy landscape. The therapy is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Preclinical findings have identified two key biomarkers—TROP2 and PTEN—that may correlate with improved patient response. TROP2, a cell surface receptor frequently overexpressed in solid tumors, and PTEN, a well-established tumor suppressor gene, are being further studied to refine patient selection and optimize treatment outcomes. Insights from this research may inform ongoing clinical programs, including the Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 trials.
The Acclaim-1 trial is evaluating Reqorsa in combination with Tagrisso, developed by AstraZeneca, in patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. Early clinical data from the Phase 1 portion demonstrated favorable tolerability with no dose-limiting toxicities and preliminary signs of efficacy, including prolonged progression-free survival and a sustained partial response in one patient lasting over three years.
Meanwhile, the Acclaim-3 trial is assessing Reqorsa in combination with Tecentriq, developed by Genentech, as a maintenance therapy for extensive-stage SCLC. Similar to Acclaim-1, the study has shown encouraging safety outcomes and early indications of clinical benefit in select patients.
The collaboration with MD Anderson builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organizations and underscores Genprex’s commitment to advancing biomarker-driven therapies. By identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from Reqorsa, the company aims to enhance clinical success rates and deliver more personalized treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
