Propanc Biopharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for chronic diseases, including recurrent and metastatic cancer, has announced compelling new preclinical and translational data for its lead candidate PRP in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant solid tumours.
In orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of advanced PDAC, three times weekly intravenous PRP achieved:
- Greater than 90% mean tumour growth inhibition versus vehicle controls (p < 0.001)
- Marked reduction in metastatic burden in liver and peritoneum
- Significant remodelling of the tumour microenvironment, including decreased cancer-associated fibroblast activity, reduced fibrosis, and suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers
- Enhanced sensitivity of chemo-resistant PDAC cells to standard-of-care gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, allowing lower chemotherapy doses while improving efficacy
- Median overall survival extension of more than 2.5-fold in treated animals compared with controls.
These results are built on previously reported >85% tumour growth inhibition data and peer-reviewed findings on PRP’s impact on PDAC fibroblasts. Translational analyses from limited prior compassionate-use experience with related proenzyme formulations further support a favourable safety profile and signals of prolonged survival in advanced solid-tumour patients.
PRP is a proprietary fixed-ratio combination of the pancreatic proenzymes, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, administered by once – weekly intravenous injection. The US Food and Drug Administration previously granted orphan drug designation to PRP for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The company has advanced manufacturing (GMP production targeted for late 2026), pharmacokinetics assay validation, and clinical partnerships, including a memorandum of understanding with Avance Clinical, to support efficient execution of the planned phase 1b study in approximately 30-40 patients with advanced solid tumours.
The global pancreatic cancer treatment market is projected to grow substantially in the coming years amid rising incidence and demand for therapies that address metastasis and resistance.
Propanc believes PRP’s unique mechanism positions it as a potential complementary or alternative approach that could improve outcomes while offering a more favourable tolerability profile than many existing regimens.
Further details of the new studies are expected to be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting. The company remains focused on initiating the phase 1b trial as rapidly as possible and generating the clinical data needed to advance PRP into proof-of-concept studies in PDAC and other high-unmet-need solid tumours.
