Propanc Biopharma’s Lead Asset PRP Shows >85% Tumor Growth Inhibition in Preclinical Pancreatic Models
PRP May Outshine Traditional Therapies in a Booming $4.4 Billion Market
MELBOURNE, Australia, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPCB) (“Propanc” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for chronic diseases, including recurrent and metastatic cancer, today highlights the potential of its lead asset, PRP, as a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment and prevention of metastatic cancer from solid tumors, especially more aggressively spreading, less differentiated tumors, which offer a poor patient prognosis. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate stuck at just 13% and no real progress has been made in recent years. To put that into perspective, overall cancer survival is 70%.
Standard treatments like chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel), targeted therapies (e.g., KRAS inhibitors), and emerging options (immunotherapies, tumor-treating fields like Optune Pax) extend life modestly but often bring harsh side effects, resistance, and limited success against this aggressive, metastasis-prone disease.
Enter Propanc 's PRP—a promising investigational proenzyme therapy (trypsinogen + chymotrypsinogen in a 1:6 ratio) delivered intravenously. Unlike cytotoxic drugs that kill dividing cells broadly, PRP targets cancer stem cells, blocks metastasis by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), disrupts the tumor microenvironment, curbs angiogenesis, and boosts chemosensitivity—potentially making standard treatments more effective with far less toxicity.
Preclinical data shines: >85% tumor growth inhibition in pancreatic models, reduced fibrosis and resistance markers, and a gentler profile (no major side effects in limited prior human use). A small compassionate study (rectal version) extended survival from ~5.6 to 9 months in advanced cases.
PRP vs. Current Treatment Options:
- Chemo: PRP could sensitize resistant tumors and cut doses/side effects.
- Targeted drugs: Broader attack on stem cells and spread, not just single mutations.
- Immunotherapy: May warm up “cold” pancreatic tumors by remodeling the microenvironment.
According to industry sources the global pancreatic cancer treatment market is valued at ~$4.42 billion in 2026 and projected to explode to $14.43 billion by 2034 (CAGR ~16%), fueled by rising cases and demand for better options.
Propanc is gearing up for a Phase 1b First-In-Human trial in 2026 (30–40 advanced solid tumor patients), backed by fresh funding ($100M facility), new patents, and FDA Orphan Drug status for pancreatic cancer.
“We are excited about PRP’s potential to transform cancer care by targeting the underlying mechanisms of metastasis with a mechanism that could offer meaningful advantages over existing therapies,” said James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “PRP remains experimental—no large human efficacy data yet—but its multi-targeted, low-toxicity approach could redefine care for a disease desperate for breakthroughs,” Mr. Nathanielsz concludes.
About Propanc Biopharma, Inc.
Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPCB) is developing a novel approach to preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis by targeting and eradicating cancer stem cells through proenzyme activation. The Company’s lead product candidate, PRP, is designed to address the underlying drivers of cancer proliferation and spread.
More information: www.propanc.com
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to the Company’s expectations regarding its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors, made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements because of several factors, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to market conditions, as well as those risks described under “Risk Factors” in the prospectus related to the proposed offering and those described in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
Company:
Propanc Biopharma, Inc.
James Nathanielsz
+61-3-9882-0780
info@propanc.com
Investor Contact:
irteam@propanc.com
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