Genprex Provides Update on Diabetes Gene Therapy Program

Core Points - Genprex, Inc. has advanced its diabetes gene therapy program by forming a wholly-owned subsidiary, Convergen Biotech, Inc., and consolidating its license agreements with the University of Pittsburgh for technologies related to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes [1][2][3] Group 1: License Agreement - The new exclusive license agreement with the University of Pittsburgh consolidates multiple technologies into a single agreement, granting Genprex worldwide exclusive rights to patent applications and related technologies for gene therapy targeting both T1D and T2D [3][4] - The licensed technologies utilize an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly into the pancreatic duct, with GPX-002 designed to transform alpha cells into functional beta-like cells for T1D and rejuvenate exhausted beta cells for T2D [4][10] Group 2: Clinical Development - Genprex is finalizing components of the diabetes construct and is continuing preclinical studies, with plans to seek FDA guidance for the preclinical studies necessary to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the second half of 2025 [6][8] - The formation of Convergen Biotech is expected to expedite clinical development and enable direct investment and strategic collaboration for the diabetes program [8] Group 3: Market Context - As of 2024, approximately 38.4 million Americans have diabetes, with projections indicating that the global number of people living with diabetes will rise from 537 million in 2021 to 783 million by 2045 [9] - Diabetes caused over 6.7 million deaths globally in 2021 and resulted in approximately $966 billion in health expenditures, reflecting a significant increase over the past fifteen years [9]