Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX) expands MD Anderson pact and reports Reqorsa lung cancer trial progress
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Genprex, Inc. filed a report describing a new Sponsored Research Agreement with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to its Reqorsa Gene Therapy for non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.
The company also highlights progress in its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 Phase 1/2 trials combining Reqorsa with Tagrisso and Tecentriq. Early Phase 1 data showed no dose limiting toxicities and signals of efficacy, including prolonged progression free survival and partial remissions in individual patients who continue on treatment.
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8-K Event Classification
3 items: 7.01, 8.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Initial SRA year with UT MD Anderson: 2010
Phase 1 Acclaim-1 enrollment: 12 patients
Prolonged PFS cases in Acclaim-1: 3 patients
+3 more
6 metrics
Initial SRA year with UT MD Anderson
2010
Year Genprex entered its first Sponsored Research Agreement with UT MD Anderson
Phase 1 Acclaim-1 enrollment
12 patients
Patients originally enrolled in the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of Acclaim-1
Prolonged PFS cases in Acclaim-1
3 patients
Patients with prolonged progression free survival in Phase 1 Acclaim-1
Duration of one partial remission
60 courses (~42 months)
One Acclaim-1 patient maintained partial remission through 60 courses of treatment
Cycles before partial remission in Acclaim-3
24 cycles
Cycles of therapy before one Acclaim-3 patient achieved an unconfirmed partial remission
Ongoing Acclaim-3 treatment duration
More than 18 months
Duration one Acclaim-3 patient has continued receiving study treatment
Key Terms
Sponsored Research Agreement, biomarkers, Phase 1/2 clinical trial, dose limiting toxicities, +2 more
6 terms
Sponsored Research Agreement financial
"entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement (“SRA”) with The University of Texas MD Anderson"
A sponsored research agreement is a contract where a company pays a university, lab, or research group to carry out specific scientific work on its behalf, like hiring a contractor to build a prototype. It matters to investors because the deal can accelerate access to new technology, shape who owns resulting inventions, set milestones and payments that affect cash flow, and create potential conflicts of interest—factors that influence a company’s future value and risk profile.
biomarkers medical
"to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to Reqorsa"
Biomarkers are measurable indicators found in the body, such as substances in blood or tissues, that reveal information about health or disease. For investors, they can signal how well a medical treatment is working or whether a disease is developing, helping to assess the potential success or risks of healthcare companies or innovations. Think of biomarkers as biological signals that provide clues about a person’s health status.
Phase 1/2 clinical trial medical
"Acclaim-1 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso"
A phase 1/2 clinical trial is an early human study that combines first-in-people safety and dosing checks (phase 1) with an initial look at whether the treatment appears to work (phase 2). Think of it as a short test drive where researchers both confirm the product won’t cause serious harm and gather early signs it could be effective; for investors, successful results reduce risk and can unlock value-creating milestones like larger trials or regulatory discussions.
dose limiting toxicities medical
"The Phase 1 portion showed REQORSA was generally well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities"
A dose limiting toxicity is a harmful side effect observed during a drug trial that is severe enough to prevent increasing the dose further. Think of it as the safety red line that tells researchers they’ve reached the highest tolerable amount of a drug; it matters to investors because these limits shape dosing, affect whether a drug can be effective, influence trial costs and timelines, and often change the likelihood of eventual regulatory approval and commercial success.
progression free survival medical
"results showed early signs of efficacy with some patients experiencing prolonged progression free survival"
Progression free survival is the length of time during and after a treatment when a disease, such as cancer, does not get worse or spread. It is an important measure because longer periods of stability can indicate that a treatment is effectively controlling the condition. For investors, it provides insight into the potential durability and success of a therapy or medication.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Statements contained in this on regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (512 ) 537-7997
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b–2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b–2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
Corporate Presentation
The investor presentation about Genprex, Inc. (“Genprex” or the “Company”) that is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K may be presented at meetings with investors, analysts, and others, in whole or in part and possibly with modifications, from time to time on or after April 21, 2026. A copy of the investor presentation slides, substantially in the form expected to be used in such presentations and meetings, will be available on the Company’s website, www.genprex.com.
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 7.01, including the information contained in Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by a specific reference in such filing.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On April 21, 2026, Genprex issued a press release announcing it has entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement (“SRA”) with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (“UT MD Anderson”) to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), the Company’s lead drug candidate that is in development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) and small cell lung cancer (“SCLC”). Shortly after it was founded, Genprex entered its first SRA with UT MD Anderson in 2010, and the two parties have completed several subsequent SRAs. These efforts demonstrate Genprex’s commitment to innovative cancer treatments and improving outcomes for patients through the continued research and development of its oncology pipeline.
In preclinical studies, research collaborators have identified TROP2 and PTEN as two potential biomarkers that may increase the likelihood of patient response to REQORSA. TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a cell surface receptor. TROP2 overexpression in adult tissues is a hallmark of many solid tumors, making it a major target for modern cancer therapies. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a tumor suppressor gene that serves as a multi-functional cancer biomarker for risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning in a number of cancers. The press release further noted that research with TROP2 and PTEN may provide insights that could refine Genprex’s patient selection strategies for its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials and optimize clinical outcomes.
Acclaim-1 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso® (osimertinib) in patients with late-stage NSCLC that has activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and progression on treatment with Tagrisso or Tagrisso-containing regimens. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2a expansion portion of the Acclaim-1 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study. The Phase 1 portion showed REQORSA was generally well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities (“DLTs”) despite doubling the starting dose. Importantly, the results showed early signs of efficacy with some patients experiencing prolonged progression free survival (“PFS”) and one patient having a partial response. There were three patients out of the twelve originally enrolled in the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study who had prolonged PFS. One patient attained a partial remission after the second course of REQORSA and Tagrisso and has maintained this response through 60 courses of treatment (approximately 42 months), and this patient continues to receive REQORSA and Tagrisso treatment to date.
Acclaim-3 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and Genentech, Inc.’s Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) as maintenance therapy for patients with extensive stage SCLC who did not develop tumor progression after receiving Tecentriq and chemotherapy as initial standard treatment. Patients are treated with REQORSA and Tecentriq until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is experienced. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2 expansion portion of the Acclaim-3 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study, which showed no DLTs. One patient in the Phase 1 portion of the study achieved an unconfirmed partial remission after 24 cycles of therapy and continues to receive study treatment in the trial after more than 18 months.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K 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, 2025.
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; the timing and success of Genprex’s clinical trials and regulatory approvals; the effect of Genprex’s product candidates, alone and in combination with other therapies, on cancer and diabetes, including through research of potential biomarkers that may increase the likelihood of patient response to REQORSA; the effects of any strategic research and development prioritization initiatives, and any other strategic alternatives or other efforts that Genprex takes or may take in the future that are aimed at optimizing and re-focusing Genprex’s diabetes, oncology and/or other clinical development programs including prioritization of resources, and the extent to which Genprex is able to implement such efforts and initiatives successfully to achieve the desired and intended results thereof; 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 filing. 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 filing or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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GENPREX, INC.
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Date: April 21, 2026
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By:
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/s/ Ryan Confer
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Ryan Confer
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Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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Exhibit 99.1
FAQ
What did Genprex (GNPX) announce in this 8-K filing?
Genprex announced a new Sponsored Research Agreement with UT MD Anderson to study biomarkers for Reqorsa Gene Therapy and provided updates on its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 Phase 1/2 lung cancer trials, including early safety and efficacy signals in small patient groups.
What is the new Sponsored Research Agreement between Genprex and UT MD Anderson?
The new Sponsored Research Agreement pairs Genprex with UT MD Anderson to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to Reqorsa Gene Therapy. This work focuses on refining patient selection for Genprex’s Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 trials to potentially optimize clinical outcomes in lung cancer.
Which biomarkers are being studied for Genprex’s Reqorsa Gene Therapy?
Research collaborators have identified TROP2 and PTEN as potential biomarkers that may increase the likelihood of patient response to Reqorsa. TROP2 is often overexpressed in solid tumors, while PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene used for cancer risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
What clinical progress did Genprex report for the Acclaim-1 trial?
Acclaim-1, a Phase 1/2 trial combining Reqorsa with Tagrisso in late-stage NSCLC, completed Phase 1 dose escalation with Reqorsa generally well tolerated and no dose limiting toxicities. Early results included prolonged progression free survival in several patients and one partial response maintained for about 42 months.
What clinical progress did Genprex report for the Acclaim-3 trial?
Acclaim-3, a Phase 1/2 trial combining Reqorsa with Tecentriq as maintenance therapy for extensive stage SCLC, completed Phase 1 dose escalation with no dose limiting toxicities. One patient achieved an unconfirmed partial remission after 24 cycles and has remained on treatment for more than 18 months.
How long has Genprex collaborated with UT MD Anderson?
Genprex entered its first Sponsored Research Agreement with UT MD Anderson in 2010 and has since completed several subsequent agreements. The new Sponsored Research Agreement continues this long-term collaboration on oncology research, particularly focused on Reqorsa and its biomarker-driven development strategy.