Austin, Texas – November 05, 2026 -- Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX) reported that whole-blood analysis of 11 lung cancer patients treated with its gene therapy REQORSA (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) showed a shift toward mitochondrial adaptation, autophagy and protein quality control 24 hours after infusion. The company presented the findings at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, held November 4-7 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Blood samples from two REQORSA trials show a two-phase response
The patients were enrolled in two clinical trials evaluating REQORSA. Researchers collected whole-blood transcriptomes before treatment and at 5 and 24 hours after intravenous administration. They compared the 0-5, 5-24 and 0-24 hour intervals to separate the acute response to delivery from the sustained cellular-remodeling program.
At 5 hours, innate immune, interferon, nucleic-acid-sensing and chemokine pathways dominated. Genprex attributes this mainly to a nonspecific host reaction to the lipid nanoparticle delivery system.
Gene expression at 24 hours moves toward maintenance and away from growth signaling
By 24 hours the acute response had partially subsided. Genes tied to mitochondrial adaptation, autophagy and lysosomal function, and endoplasmic reticulum protein folding and quality control showed increased expression. Immune surveillance and complement/phagocytic pathways were also elevated.
Ribosomal, translational and IGF/mTOR-associated growth pathways were suppressed over the same period. Oxidative phosphorylation genes were transiently suppressed at 5 hours and recovered by 24 hours.
Genprex frames TUSC2 as a possible aging-related target beyond oncology
TUSC2 is a mitochondrial calcium-regulating protein whose expression declines with age, including in the human brain and other metabolically active tissues. Mice lacking TUSC2 develop early signs of aging, including declines in hearing, smell and memory, and have reduced lifespan.
CEO Ryan Confer said the work indicates the TUSC2 gene "appears to be involved in the control of at least some aspects of human aging." Chief Medical Officer Mark Berger said the data strengthen the scientific foundation of the REQORSA platform and may inform broader exploration over time.
Meharry Medical College collaboration adds NK-cell and brain-aging data
Genprex is studying REQORSA biology, including mitochondrial metabolism and molecular aging, under a sponsored research agreement with Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Data from these studies found that TUSC2 modulates cancer immune responses by boosting Natural Killer cell antitumor activity. Research collaborators also recently published peer-reviewed preclinical data identifying a role for TUSC2 in maintaining cellular function during brain aging.
Lead program remains in two lung cancer trials with FDA designations
REQORSA is being evaluated in the Acclaim-1 trial for non-small cell lung cancer and the Acclaim-3 trial for small cell lung cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track Designation to both programs and Orphan Drug designation to the small cell lung cancer program. REQORSA uses the non-viral ONCOPREX Delivery System, a lipid-based nanoparticle.
The company's forward-looking statements cite risks including its ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq Capital Market continued listing requirements and to continue as a going concern.