Building on promising preclinical and clinical data, this collaboration intends to refine patient identification using TROP2 as a biomarker. Genprex's initial research demonstrated that high TROP2 H-scores and low PTEN H-scores predicted patient response in preclinical studies. These findings were further correlated with longer Progression Free Survival (PFS) in clinical studies, specifically for NSCLC patients with TROP2 H-scores above 100 and PTEN H-scores below 100. This data underscores the potential of these biomarkers to enable targeted patient selection and precision medicine. Additional data have shown that intensity of TROP2 expression may have a correlation with PFS.

"This strategic partnership with Roche Diagnostics, a recognized leader in NSCLC assay development and the recipient of an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for their AI-driven TROP2 diagnostic, is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing precision treatments in oncology," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex. "By utilizing the same validated TROP2 antibody that Roche has used in other studies, we are poised to shorten the time for patient identification and recruitment for NSCLC clinical trials, ultimately delivering more effective, personalized treatment options."

The collaboration leverages Roche Diagnostics' expertise in assay development. Roche Diagnostics received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device Designation for the first AI-driven companion diagnostic for NSCLC that uses a TROP2 score to evaluate NSCLC specimens, and Genprex will use the same antibody against TROP2 for its validation studies. This strategic alignment ensures consistency and builds upon established diagnostic methods.

Genprex is expanding on its preclinical and clinical studies to potentially integrate TROP2 expression for patient selection in NSCLC clinical studies. Roche Diagnostics will perform the necessary assay validation using its TROP2 antibody. Genprex anticipates completing these validation studies by approximately the end of 2026, with subsequent integration into its NSCLC clinical program shortly thereafter, dependent on the results of the validation studies. This collaboration exemplifies Genprex's commitment to delivering innovation that enables more precise diagnosis and treatment strategies in oncology, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for NSCLC patients.