Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ:GNPX) shares gained 3% on Monday after the clinical-stage biotechnology company announced a collaboration with Roche Diagnostics to validate biomarkers designed to improve patient selection in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Partnership Focuses on Biomarker Validation
The collaboration will focus on validating the use of TROP2 as a biomarker to better identify patients who may benefit from Genprex’s investigational therapies.
The initiative builds on the company’s existing preclinical and clinical research, which suggests that TROP2 and PTEN expression levels could help predict treatment response in patients with NSCLC.
Clinical Data Supports Patient Selection Strategy
According to Genprex, previous studies demonstrated that patients with high TROP2 H-scores and low PTEN H-scores responded more favorably in preclinical research.
Clinical findings also indicated longer progression-free survival among NSCLC patients with TROP2 H-scores above 100 and PTEN H-scores below 100, supporting the company’s biomarker-driven development approach.
Roche to Conduct Assay Validation
As part of the agreement, Roche Diagnostics will carry out assay validation using its TROP2 antibody.
The company noted that this is the same antibody incorporated into Roche’s AI-powered companion diagnostic for non-small cell lung cancer, which has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation.
Genprex will also use the same antibody throughout its biomarker validation studies.
Validation Expected to Finish in 2026
Genprex expects the validation program to be completed by the end of 2026.
Subject to successful results, the validated biomarker strategy is expected to be incorporated into the company’s NSCLC clinical development program shortly thereafter.
Company Focus
Genprex is a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing treatments for cancer and diabetes, with its oncology pipeline focused on advancing precision medicine approaches that improve patient selection and treatment outcomes.
Genprex stock price
