
Core Viewpoint - Genprex, Inc. is advancing its diabetes gene therapy candidate GPX-002, which shows promise in treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as evidenced by positive preclinical data presented at the ASGCT Annual Meeting [1][2]. Group 1: Research and Development - GPX-002 utilizes recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes, converting alpha cells into beta-like cells that secrete insulin, effectively reversing diabetes in mouse models without the need for immunosuppression [2][3]. - The therapy has been tested in cynomolgus macaques with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, demonstrating improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin requirements one month post-infusion [4][5]. - Ongoing preclinical studies are evaluating the long-term efficacy of GPX-002 after six months of immunosuppression in non-human primate models for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes [6]. Group 2: Presentation Details - The oral presentation at the ASGCT Annual Meeting was titled "Immune Modulation Sustains Alpha Cell Reprogramming and Mitigates Immune Responses to AAV in a Diabetic Non-Human Primate Model," presented by Dr. Hannah Rinehardt [2]. - The presentation highlighted the challenges of managing immune responses to the therapy, indicating that temporary immunosuppression can effectively prevent anti-viral immunity but may need to be extended beyond three months [4][5]. Group 3: Company Overview - Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and diabetes, utilizing advanced technologies to deliver disease-fighting genes [8]. - The company’s approach for diabetes involves a novel infusion process using an AAV vector to directly administer therapeutic genes into the pancreas, with the potential for routine endoscopic procedures in humans [7][8].