Genprex Collaborators to Present Positive Preclinical Data on the Use of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Lung Cancer at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting
Rhea-AI Summary
Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX) collaborators will present positive preclinical data for Reqorsa (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) at the AACR Annual Meeting, April 17-22, 2026.
Key findings: Quar Oze induced up to 79% tumor shrinkage in ALK+ models (p=0.0135), synergized with alectinib (p=0.0001), drove complete regressions in mice (67% Tusc2 KO, 33% WT), and identified TROP2 low/PTEN high as potential resistance biomarkers.
Positive
- 79% tumor shrinkage in ALK+ sensitive model with Quar Oze plus alectinib (p=0.0135)
- Synergistic tumor reduction and improved survival in resistant ALK+ model (p=0.0001)
- Complete tumor regression in 67% of Tusc2 KO mice and 33% of WT mice
- TROP2 and PTEN identified as potential predictive biomarkers of TUSC2 response
Negative
- Primary resistance observed in 50% of NSCLC cell lines and 50% of PDXOs
- 20–30% of tumors across xenograft and PDX models showed treatment resistance
- Prophylactic Quar Oze reduced tumor growth but did not induce complete clearance in mice
News Market Reaction – GNPX
On the day this news was published, GNPX declined 0.50%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 4 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $24K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $5M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
GNPX is down 2.42% on low volume. Peers in Biotechnology show mixed moves (e.g., CELZ -1.06%, CLDI -2.03%, INAB -6.83%, KPRX +1.94%, RNAZ +3.42%) with no shared momentum flags or same-day headlines, suggesting a stock-specific reaction.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10 | Conference participation | Neutral | +1.0% | Management scheduled for BIO Europe Spring one-on-one investor and partner meetings. |
| Feb 23 | Patent grants | Positive | +27.5% | Japanese and EU patents granted for REQORSA with PD‑1/PD‑L1 antibodies in cancer. |
| Feb 10 | Patent progress | Positive | -1.8% | IP Australia issued Notice of Acceptance for REQORSA plus PD‑L1 antibody patent. |
| Jan 07 | Diabetes program update | Positive | +0.0% | Clinical and regulatory planning update for GPX-002 diabetes gene therapy program. |
| Jan 06 | Preclinical diabetes data | Positive | +5.0% | Positive Type 2 diabetes animal data showing improved and normalized glucose tolerance. |
Recent GNPX news has often been positive, with patent and preclinical updates sometimes driving strong gains but occasionally seeing muted or negative reactions, indicating inconsistent alignment between good news and short-term price moves.
Over the past months, Genprex has focused on expanding its gene therapy pipeline and intellectual property. On Jan 6–7, 2026, it reported positive preclinical and clinical updates for diabetes candidate GPX-002. In February 2026, multiple patents for REQORSA combinations were advanced or granted across regions, with one announcement linked to a 27.53% gain. A conference participation update on Mar 10, 2026 saw a modest move. Today’s AACR-focused preclinical lung cancer data continues this pattern of scientific and IP-driven milestones.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details robust preclinical evidence for Reqorsa, including biomarker-linked response in NSCLC, synergy with alectinib in ALK+ models, and enhanced NK cell–mediated immunity. It extends a sequence of patent and preclinical milestones reported since January 2026. Investors may focus on how and when these findings translate into clinical trials, regulatory interactions, and future updates similar to prior Acclaim‑3 timelines and diabetes program disclosures.
Key Terms
patient-derived xenografts medical
organoids medical
apoptosis medical
p value medical
natural killer (NK) cell medical
tumor microenvironment medical
granzyme B medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Research Collaborators Identify Biomarkers that May Predict Patient Response to Reqorsa® Gene Therapy
REQORSA is a Potential Treatment for ALK-EML4 Positive Translocated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
REQORSA Boosts Natural Killer (NK) Cell Antitumor Activity
"The selection of three distinct abstracts for presentation at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research underscores the robust preclinical evidence supporting REQORSA's multi-faceted potential in the treatment of cancer," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex. "These findings advance our understanding of TUSC2's therapeutic mechanisms and its impact on lung cancer. Additionally, the identification of TROP2 and PTEN as potential biomarkers of response to TUSC2 gene therapy in non-small cell lung cancer is a pivotal development, providing insights that could refine patient selection strategies and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of REQORSA in a clinical setting."
The featured Genprex-supported posters to be presented at AACR 2026:
Title: "TROP2 and PTEN are biomarkers of primary resistance to TUSC2 gene therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)"
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance 1
Session Date and Time: April 19, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. PT
Location: Poster Section 16
Poster Board Number: 24
Abstract Presentation Number: 391
In this study, researchers established models primarily resistant to TUSC2 gene therapy (REQORSA or Quar Oze) to find biomarkers indicative of TUSC2 gene therapy resistance in NSCLC cell lines, PDX-derived organoids (PDXOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). A panel of 10 NSCLC cell lines screened for TUSC2 sensitivity showed resistance in
Title: "Quaratusugene ozeplasmid mediated TUSC2 upregulation in EML4-ALK bearing non-small cell lung carcinoma induces apoptosis and is highly effective in preclinical studies"
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: RNA, Gene and Cell Therapies, and Enabling Assay Technologies
Session Date and Time: April 19, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. PT
Location: Poster Section 19
Poster Board Number: 12
Abstract Presentation Number: 469
In this study, researchers evaluated TUSC2 expression in a range of ALK+ cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs), both prior to and following exposure to quaratusugene ozeplasmid (Quar Oze). The findings show that Quar Oze-driven TUSC2 overexpression initiates a robust pro-apoptotic response in ALK-positive (ALK+) models, not only in cells that are sensitive but also with acquired resistance (generated in the lab) to the ALK inhibitor, alectinib. This is evidenced by increased pro-apoptotic markers and lower cell viability when Quar Oze is used in combination with alectinib. To further assess the Quar Oze and alectinib combination, researchers tested it in two in vivo models: (1) an alectinib-sensitive model using subcutaneous injection of NCI-H2228 ALK+ cells into nude mice, and (2) an alectinib-resistant model using ALK167 PDX implants in NSG mice. Once tumors reached ~ 100 mm³, mice were randomized into four groups: vehicle control; Quar Oze alone (25 μg/mouse, IV, every three days); alectinib alone (0.5 mg/kg for sensitive or 15 mg/kg for resistant, oral, daily); and Quar Oze plus alectinib at the same doses. In the sensitive model, tumors in the alectinib-treated group shrank by
In the resistant model, the Quar Oze and alectinib combination produced a synergistic effect, achieving the greatest tumor reduction and improved overall survival (p value 0.0001 versus control), further supporting the clinical potential of this therapeutic strategy in ALK+ NSCLC. Altogether, the in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that Quar Oze-mediated TUSC2 overexpression in ALK+ NSCLC effectively curtails tumor growth and proliferation via activation of apoptotic pathways, providing a compelling rationale for progressing toward a clinical trial.
Title: "Restoring TUSC2 function boosts NK cell cytotoxicity and antitumor immunity in vivo and in vitro"
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: Immune Cell Biology and Tumor-Immune Crosstalk
Session Date and Time: April 19, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. PT
Location: Poster Section 8
Poster Board Number: 7
Abstract Presentation Number: 164
Tusc2 knockout (Tusc2 KO) and wild-type (Tusc2 WT) mice were challenged with syngeneic tumor cells (344SQ) and treated with TUSC2-expressing lipoparticles (quaratusugene ozeplasmid, Quar Oze). The therapeutic group received Quar Oze after tumor establishment starting at day 8 from cell line injection, while the prophylaxis group received Quar Oze before tumor establishment, starting 2 days before injection of cell lines. Control groups received empty lipoparticles. After three weeks from cell line injection, tumor volumes were assessed, and mice were euthanized for collection of tumors, spleens, and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN). Immune cell phenotypes and cytotoxic markers were analyzed using flow cytometry. In vitro studies evaluated NK cell cytotoxic function following Quar Oze treatment by measuring CD107a degranulation and CellTrace Violet–based proliferation. In the therapeutic treatment group,
In conclusion, TUSC2 acts as a critical enhancer of innate antitumor immunity by boosting NK cell cytotoxic function. Therapeutic delivery of TUSC2 via Quar Oze suppresses tumor progression and, in many cases, drives complete tumor elimination. These results highlight TUSC2 as a potent immunomodulatory tumor suppressor and support its development as a dual-function therapeutic that directly targets tumor cells while also activating NK cell–mediated immunity.
About TUSC2
TUSC2 is the tumor suppressor gene used in REQORSA (quaratusugene ozeplasmid or Quar Oze). REQORSA consists of a TUSC2 gene expressing plasmid encapsulated in non-viral lipid-based nanoparticles in a lipoplex form (the Company's Oncoprex® Delivery System), which has a positive charge. REQORSA is injected intravenously and specifically targets cancer cells. REQORSA is designed to deliver the functioning TUSC2 gene to negatively charged cancer cells while minimizing uptake by normal tissue. Laboratory studies show that the uptake of TUSC2 in tumor cells in vitro after REQORSA treatment was 10 to 33 times the uptake in normal cells.
The aforementioned 2026 AACR posters will be available on Genprex's website following the completion of their live presentations.
About Genprex, Inc.
Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes. Genprex's technologies are designed to administer disease-fighting genes to provide new therapies for large patient populations with cancer and diabetes who currently have limited treatment options. Genprex works with world-class institutions and collaborators to develop drug candidates to further its pipeline of gene therapies in order to provide novel treatment approaches. Genprex's oncology program utilizes its systemic, non-viral Oncoprex® Delivery System which encapsulates the gene-expressing plasmids using lipid-based nanoparticles in a lipoplex form. The resultant product is administered intravenously, where it is taken up by tumor cells that then express tumor suppressor proteins that were deficient in the tumor. The Company's lead product candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), is being evaluated in two clinical trials as a treatment for NSCLC and SCLC. Each of Genprex's lung cancer clinical programs has received a Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the treatment of that patient population, and Genprex's SCLC program has received an FDA Orphan Drug Designation. Genprex's diabetes gene therapy approach is comprised of a novel infusion process that uses an AAV vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas. In models of Type 1 diabetes, GPX-002 transforms alpha cells in the pancreas into functional beta-like cells, which can produce insulin but may be distinct enough from beta cells to evade the body's immune system. In a similar approach for Type 2 diabetes, where autoimmunity is not at play, GPX-002 is believed to rejuvenate and replenish exhausted beta cells.
Interested investors and shareholders are encouraged to sign up for press releases and industry updates by visiting the Company Website, registering for Email Alerts and by following Genprex on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Genprex's reports that it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which you should review, including those statements under "Item 1A – Risk Factors" in Genprex's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Genprex's ability to advance the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of its product candidates in accordance with projected timelines and specifications; the timing and success of Genprex's clinical trials, its intended regulatory submissions and any resulting regulatory approvals; the effect of Genprex's product candidates, alone and in combination with other therapies, on cancer and diabetes; Genprex's future growth and financial status, including Genprex's ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market and to continue as a going concern and to obtain capital to meet its long-term liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all; Genprex's commercial and strategic partnerships, including those with its third party vendors, suppliers and manufacturers and their ability to successfully perform and scale up the manufacture of its product candidates; Genprex's intellectual property and licenses; and Genprex's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which it operates.
These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Genprex cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Genprex or any other person that Genprex will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Genprex disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Genprex, Inc.
(877) 774-GNPX (4679)
GNPX Investor Relations
investors@genprex.com
GNPX Media Contact
Kalyn Dabbs
media@genprex.com
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SOURCE Genprex, Inc.
FAQ
What preclinical results will Genprex (GNPX) present at AACR 2026 on April 19, 2026?
How did Reqorsa (Quar Oze) perform with alectinib in ALK+ lung cancer models?
Which biomarkers did collaborators identify that may predict response to TUSC2 gene therapy?
What evidence supports Reqorsa's effect on innate immunity and NK cells for GNPX?
How prevalent was primary resistance to TUSC2 gene therapy in the presented preclinical studies?
When and where will the Genprex-supported posters on Reqorsa be presented at AACR 2026?
