Genprex Announces Positive Preliminary Preclinical Data for GPX-002 in Type 2 Diabetes
Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX), a pioneering clinical-stage gene therapy company, has released preliminary findings demonstrating the potential effectiveness of its diabetes gene therapy candidate, GPX-002. These results, announced on [insert date], indicate a promising pathway towards long-term management of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) through groundbreaking preclinical studies conducted in non-human primates (NHPs) and mice.
Key Findings from Preclinical Studies
Recent investigations have shown that GPX-002 can effectively rejuvenate exhausted beta cells and normalize glucose levels in Type 2 diabetic models. The studies were conducted by Genprex's collaborators and focused on naturally occurring T2D in NHPs. The first NHP underwent a novel infusion process where GPX-002 was delivered directly into the pancreatic duct via an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing the Pdx1 and MafA genes.
- The first NHP exhibited a significant improvement in glucose tolerance over several months, achieving normal glucose levels by the seventh month.
- The second NHP received direct pancreas injections of GPX-002, which showed notable improvements in glucose tolerance within three months.
- Immunosuppressive therapy was required to minimize potential immune reactions to AAV constructs in NHP studies.
Expert Insights on GPX-002's Development
Mark Berger, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Genprex, emphasized the significance of these advancements, stating, "The progression from mouse studies into NHP studies demonstrates a vital step towards human clinical trials." He highlighted that past research with T1D mouse models successfully converted alpha cells into beta-like cells, normalizing blood glucose levels—a finding that has now been extended to T2D models.
Ryan Confer, President and CEO at Genprex, added, "We are highly encouraged by this preliminary data for GPX-002. These results represent significant progress for gene therapy research in Type 2 diabetes, potentially benefiting the vast majority of diabetes patients.”
Continued Research and Future Directions
Ongoing preclinical studies will further evaluate the efficacy of GPX-002 in both T1D and T2D models. The company is preparing for formal toxicology studies and subsequent Investigational New Drug (IND) submission as part of the regulatory pathway to human trials. Importantly, the efficacy results from animal studies may not always correlate with later phase clinical trials.
Implications of GPX-002 Findings
With its dual focus on T1D and T2D, GPX-002 employs the same delivery method through AAV vectors, aiming to rejuvenate exhausted beta cells or transform alpha cells into functional beta-like cells in human trials. Preclinical data suggest that this innovative approach could lead to substantial improvements in glucose homeostasis for patients battling diabetes.
About Genprex, Inc.
Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company concentrating on revolutionary treatments for patients facing cancer and diabetes. The company is dedicated to developing advanced therapies using gene technologies through collaborations with leading institutions. This commitment aims to address significant gaps in current treatment options for large patient populations.