Core Viewpoint - Genprex, Inc. has received patent allowances for its lead drug candidate, Reqorsa® Gene Therapy, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, enhancing its intellectual property portfolio for oncology treatments [1][2][3] Intellectual Property Developments - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office have issued Notices of Allowance for patents covering the use of Reqorsa in combination with PD-L1 and PD-1 antibodies, respectively, with both patents set to expire in 2037 at the earliest [1][3] - Genprex has also secured patents for Reqorsa in combination with PD-L1 antibodies in Korea and is pursuing additional patent applications in Europe, Canada, Brazil, China, and Israel [3] Clinical Trial Information - The Acclaim-3 study is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating Reqorsa in combination with Genentech's Tecentriq® for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) [5] - The Acclaim-3 trial has received FDA Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation, indicating its potential significance in treating this patient population [5] Company Overview - Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing therapies for cancer and diabetes, utilizing a non-viral Oncoprex® Delivery System for its gene therapies [6] - The company's lead product candidate, Reqorsa, is being evaluated in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), both of which have received FDA Fast Track Designation [6]

Core Viewpoint - The study presents a novel CXCR4 partial agonist, TFF2-MSA, which enhances the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by targeting immunosuppressive neutrophils and cancer-driven granulopoiesis, particularly in gastric cancer [2][3][8]. Group 1: Research Findings - TFF2-MSA is identified as a CXCR4 partial agonist that sensitizes gastric cancer mouse models to anti-PD-1 therapy [6]. - TFF2-MSA reduces immunosuppressive neutrophils and cancer-driven granulocyte production [6]. - The combination of TFF2-MSA with anti-PD-1 therapy induces a robust anti-tumor CD8+ T cell response [6]. - In gastric cancer patients, decreased levels of TFF2 are associated with an increase in polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) [6][5]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - The study demonstrates that TFF2-MSA, when fused with mouse serum albumin (MSA), shows improved stability and effectively inhibits primary tumor growth and distal metastasis in gastric cancer mouse models [4]. - TFF2-MSA selectively reduces Hdc-GFP+ CXCR4high immunosuppressive neutrophils, enhancing the tumor-killing ability of CD8+ T cells mediated by anti-PD-1 [4]. - Unlike CXCR4 antagonists, TFF2-MSA also inhibits bone marrow granulocyte production, contributing to its therapeutic benefits [4]. Group 3: Implications for Cancer Therapy - The research proposes a new strategy that utilizes CXCR4 partial agonism to restore tumor sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors [8].

Core Viewpoint - China Biologic Products (01177.HK) announced preliminary data from a Phase II clinical study of TQB2868, a PD-1/TGF-β dual-function fusion protein, in combination with Anlotinib and AG chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) at the 2025 ASCO annual meeting [1][2] Group 1: Clinical Study Results - The TQB2868-ALTN-II-01 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TQB2868 combined with Anlotinib and AG chemotherapy (Gemcitabine + Albumin-bound Paclitaxel) in mPDAC patients [1] - As of January 2025, 40 patients with stage IV mPDAC were enrolled, with 36 being evaluable; the objective response rate (ORR) was 63.9%, significantly higher than the historical data for AG chemotherapy (23%-36%) [1] - The disease control rate (DCR) reached 100%, compared to 62.3% for AG chemotherapy, and the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 86%, double that of AG chemotherapy (43.2%) [1] - The median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached, but it is expected to exceed one year [1] Group 2: Safety Profile - The safety profile of the TQB2868 combination therapy was favorable, with a rate of grade 3 or higher adverse reactions at 52.5%, lower than the 68.1%-77% range reported for AG chemotherapy [1] Group 3: Future Developments - The company is in communication with the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) regarding the registration of a Phase III clinical trial for the TQB2868 combination therapy [2] - This combination therapy is anticipated to become the first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer using immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially leading to significant improvements in overall survival and quality of life for patients [2]