Genprex Renews Diabetes Gene Therapy Research Partnership with University of Pittsburgh

Genprex has signed a Sponsored Research Agreement with the University of Pittsburgh to continue studying its diabetes gene therapy, GPX-002. Preclinical studies have shown promise in improving insulin requirements and glucose tolerance in animal models for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The therapy utilizes an AAV vector to convert pancreatic cells into insulin-producing cells. While results are promising, GPX-002 remains in the preclinical stage and human trials have yet to be initiated.

Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company, has signed a new Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with the University of Pittsburgh to continue studying its diabetes gene therapy, GPX-002. The agreement, announced on May 7, 2025, follows the successful completion of a previous SRA focusing on Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) [1].

The new SRA will support preclinical studies of GPX-002 in animal models for both T1D and T2D. Genprex's Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Confer, expressed optimism about the potential of GPX-002 to decrease insulin requirements and improve glucose tolerance. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to convert pancreatic cells into insulin-producing cells, a novel approach that has shown promise in preclinical studies [1].

Preclinical data from an animal study of GPX-002 in T1D demonstrated statistically significant decreases in insulin requirements, increases in c-peptide levels, and improvements in glucose tolerance compared to baseline. These results support the hypothesis that GPX-002 could be a promising treatment for both T1D and T2D [1].

Genprex's Chief Medical Officer, Mark Berger, MD, highlighted the company's excitement about continuing this pioneering gene therapy work in diabetes. The preclinical data has encouraged the company to expand the promising gene therapy approach to treat T2D with GPX-002 in animal models [1].

While the results are promising, GPX-002 remains in the preclinical stage, and human trials have yet to be initiated. The company's goal is to advance into new animal studies and eventually explore human clinical trials. Genprex's diabetes gene therapy approach is designed to be administered using a routine endoscopy procedure, making it a potential breakthrough in treating both T1D and T2D [1].

References:

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genprex-signs-sponsored-research-agreement-with-the-university-of-pittsburgh-to-study-diabetes-gene-therapy-in-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes-302448283.html