Gene therapy company Genprex Inc (NASDAQ:GNPX) said on Wednesday that it has signed a new Sponsored Research Agreement with the University of Pittsburgh to advance preclinical studies of its gene therapy candidate GPX-002 for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

This agreement follows the completion of a prior two-year collaboration and will support further testing of GPX-002 in animal models for both forms of diabetes.

GPX-002 uses an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly into the pancreatic duct, aiming to transform pancreatic alpha cells into insulin-producing beta-like cells in Type 1 diabetes.

In Type 2 diabetes, where autoimmunity is not a factor, GPX-002 is designed to rejuvenate exhausted beta cells.

Preclinical studies in Type 1 diabetes models showed reduced insulin requirements, elevated c-peptide levels, and improved glucose tolerance.

The therapy has demonstrated long-term normalisation of blood glucose levels in animal models.

The delivery method is intended to be minimally invasive in humans through routine endoscopy.

This collaboration marks a continued effort to validate a novel gene therapy approach developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.