Genprex advances diabetes gene therapy with new license

AUSTIN, Texas - Genprex , Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company with a current market capitalization of $3.75 million, has consolidated its licensing agreements with the University of Pittsburgh into a new exclusive arrangement for diabetes-related gene therapies. Alongside this, Genprex has established Convergen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary dedicated to advancing its diabetes program. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a positive cash position relative to its debt, though its overall financial health score indicates challenges ahead.

The updated license grants Genprex exclusive global rights to several gene therapy technologies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These technologies utilize genes controlled by insulin, glucagon, and MafB promoters, aiming to develop a gene therapy product that could potentially alter the treatment landscape for diabetes. With the stock trading at $0.44, significantly below the analyst target price of $7.50, InvestingPro subscribers can access 13 additional key insights about the company’s potential.

Ryan Confer, Genprex’s CEO, expressed optimism about the progress towards initiating human clinical trials for their diabetes gene therapy, GPX-002. The therapy is being developed to transform alpha cells into insulin-producing beta-like cells in Type 1 diabetes and to rejuvenate exhausted beta cells in Type 2 diabetes.

Genprex’s work on the diabetes construct continues as the company engages in preclinical studies. The firm anticipates seeking FDA guidance for the necessary studies to file an Investigational New Drug application, with the goal of starting human studies in the second half of 2025.

The decision to form Convergen Biotech, Inc. reflects Genprex’s strategic move to separate its diabetes and oncology programs, potentially accelerating clinical development and attracting direct investments and collaborations for its diabetes initiatives.

Diabetes is a significant health concern globally, with millions affected and substantial healthcare costs. Genprex’s diabetes gene therapy approach, using an AAV vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas, represents a novel treatment strategy that is currently being evaluated in preclinical studies.

This article is based on a press release statement from Genprex, Inc.

In other recent news, Austin-based pharmaceutical company Genprex, Inc. has been grappling with critical developments. The company has been notified by the Nasdaq Stock Market of non-compliance with certain listing requirements, including the minimum bid price and stockholders’ equity standards. Genprex has until August 6, 2025, to meet the minimum bid price requirement, and must demonstrate $2.5 million in stockholders’ equity in its upcoming quarterly report due by May 15, 2025, to fulfill the terms of a granted extension.

In parallel to these challenges, Genprex has been making strides in its clinical trials. The company has completed Phase 1 of its Acclaim-3 clinical trial for Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, and is progressing to Phase 2, with enrollment already underway. Genprex’s lead candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for small cell lung cancer treatment.

Moreover, Genprex has secured an exclusive license from the University of Michigan for a patented gene therapy technology. This license pertains to the combination of Genprex’s Reqorsa® Gene Therapy with ALK-inhibitors for potential treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer. These are the recent developments for Genprex, Inc., based on information from the company’s press releases.

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