Clinical-stage gene therapy company Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNPX) announced on Thursday that it has entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.

This partnership aims to investigate TUSC2, the tumour suppressor gene involved in Genprex's lead candidate, Reqorsa Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), in conjunction with ALK-inhibitors for treating ALK-EML4 positive translocated lung cancer. Collaboration with ALK Positive, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing outcomes for ALK-positive lung cancer patients, will also involve shared costs for the SRA.

Expansion into new tumour targets could position Reqorsa as a viable treatment option for ALK+ lung cancer. Approximately 82% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) show decreased TUSC2 protein levels, while ALK translocations occur in about 5% of NSCLCs. Recent preclinical data from the Judith Tam ALK Lung Cancer Research Initiative indicated that Reqorsa effectively induced apoptosis in alectinib-resistant EML4-ALK positive NSCLC cell lines. Overexpression of TUSC2 using Reqorsa inhibited colony formation in ALK+ lung cancer cells, supporting further clinical exploration.

Current ALK-targeted therapies, while beneficial initially, face resistance challenges, with a 5-year survival rate of 40.9% for ALK-EML4 translocated lung cancers. Genprex identifies significant potential for improvement in patient outcomes through continued research and development.