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Genprex collaborators report positive preclinical data on the use of Reqorsa gene therapy at the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting

Both REQORSA alone and in combination with LUMAKRAS demonstrated robust anti-tumor effects in Ras inhibitor resistant non-small cell lung cancer

29 Apr 2025

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Genprex, Inc has announced that its research collaborators presented positive preclinical data for Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), for the treatment of KRASG12C mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This data were presented at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

In the poster, entitled, 'Overcoming sotorasib acquired resistance in KRASG12C mutant NSCLC by TUSC2 gene therapy', researchers demonstrated that TUSC2 gene therapy (REQORSA) effectively overcomes sotorasib (LUMAKRAS®) acquired resistance (AR) in KRASG12C mutant NSCLC mouse xenografts.

The data indicate that TUSC2 transfection significantly reduced colony formation and markedly increased apoptosis in two AR cell lines. Re-expression of TUSC2 in AR PDXOs significantly decreased the viability of organoids compared with the empty vector.

The H23AR tumors exhibited significantly lower sensitivity to sotorasib than their parental counterparts. However, treatment with REQORSA was highly effective in controlling tumor growth compared to treatment with sotorasib alone or the control groups. REQORSA alone also exhibited a strong antitumor effect on TC314AR PDXs. Sotorasib alone showed no significant antitumor activity in these models.

However, a synergistic antitumor effect was observed when TC314AR PDX tumors were treated with the combination of REQORSA and sotorasib. In conclusion, researchers demonstrated that REQORSA, alone or in combination with sotorasib, induced apoptosis, inhibited colony formation, and showed significant antitumor efficacy in KRASG12C mutant sotorasib-acquired resistant xenograft and PDX tumors.

"We are pleased to have this positive preclinical data presented before an audience of the world's leading cancer researchers, which provides further support for the therapeutic potential of REQORSA both alone and in combination with targeted therapies in NSCLC," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex.

"We believe REQORSA could be a potential therapeutic treatment for Ras inhibitor resistant lung cancer either alone or in combination with Ras inhibitors, and these studies support the potential expansion of future clinical studies in our pipeline."

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Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene TherapyGene therapy is a technique that modifies or replaces genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent diseases. This approach holds potential for curing genetic disorders, cancers, and certain viral infections. Advances in gene editing technologies like CRISPR are driving the growth of gene therapy. Explore gene therapy tools and technologies in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Lung CancerLung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Research focuses on early detection, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment strategies. Explore lung cancer research and diagnostic products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals are proteins and other compounds (such as nucleic acids) produced by living organisms that have uses as therapeutics or for in vivo diagnostics. The most well known example of a biopharmaceutical product, and the first to be approved for therapeutic use, was recombinant human insulin.AACRThe American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is a leading organization focused on cancer research and treatment. It provides a platform for scientists, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to share knowledge and collaborate in the fight against cancer.

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