- Genprex Inc announced that its research collaborators presented preclinical data for the NPRL2 gene (also known as the TUSC4 gene).
- The studies used the company's non-viral Oncoprex Nanoparticle Delivery System in KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) humanized mouse models.
- Data were presented at the 2023 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting.
- In the study, humanized mice were treated with NPRL2 gene therapy, immunotherapy Merck's pembrolizumab (Keytruda), or the combination.
- An antitumor effect was mediated by NPRL2 treatment, whereas pembrolizumab was ineffective.
- A significant antitumor effect was also found in non-humanized NSG mice. However, the antitumor effect was greater in humanized mice, suggesting that the immune response played a role in inducing antitumor activity.
- The study data suggest that NPRL2 gene therapy induces antitumor activity on KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant tumors through DC-mediated antigen presentation and cytotoxic immune cell activation.
- Vincerx Pharma Inc presented a poster of VIP924 preclinical data at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting.
- High expression of CXCR5 was observed by immunohistochemistry on naive and previously treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) samples; with limited expression in healthy tissues.
- VIP924 showed superior in vitro cytotoxicity across different non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines compared with other B-cell lymphoma targeting antibodies conjugated to the same effector chemistry.
- VIP924 (10mg/kg) resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in two DLBCL patient-derived tumor models: 68% in a low CXCR5-expressing model and 87% in a high CXCR5-expressing model.
- Prolonged survival of VIP924-treated animals was observed in both models. No effect on body weight or adverse effects in the VIP924-treated mice were observed.
- To determine the efficacy of VIP924 in large, established tumors, a single VIP924 dose of 10mg/kg was administered in mice transplanted with the HBL-1 lymphoma cell line.
- Complete responses were observed in 2 out of 3 mice with no measurable tumors on treatment day 26.
- After 24 and 48 hours, accumulation of VIP716 (ie, payload; "metabolite") was observed in the tumors but not in plasma.
