Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNPX) said independent researchers have reported that the tumor suppression gene used in its lead drug candidate REQORSA functions as a novel tumor suppressor for glioblastoma, a fast-growing aggressive form of brain cancer.
Genprex CEO Rodney Varner said the research supports the growing body of studies evaluating the tumor suppressor gene TUSC2 as a target in oncology and potentially effective treatment for many types of cancer.
"We are encouraged by the increasing number of research institutions and independent researchers producing positive data on TUSC2, which provide additional support for REQORSA and its therapeutic potential against cancers,” Varner said in a statement.
The researchers, who are not affiliated with Genprex, presented their findings in an abstract titled “Investigating TUSC2 for its tumor suppressive functions in glioblastoma and its role in gliomagenesis” at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting on April 17.
Their pre-clinical study showed that TUSC2 overexpression reduces colony formation, neurosphere formation and promotes apoptosis in vitro, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo, according to Genprex.
Other researchers and studies have found that TUSC2 could benefit other types of cancer including head and neck, breast, renal cell, thyroid, soft tissue sarcoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and small-cell lung cancer, Genprex noted.
Genprex is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes.
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