MELBOURNE, Australia, August 6, 2026
Propanc Biopharma announced compelling preclinical and early translational findings for its lead investigational therapy PRP, demonstrating greater than 90% tumor growth inhibition and a significant survival benefit in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models. In orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) studies, intravenous PRP administered three times weekly significantly outperformed vehicle controls, achieving more than 90% mean tumor growth inhibition (p < 0.001) while also substantially reducing metastatic spread to the liver and peritoneum. The company stated that these latest results expand upon previously reported findings showing over 85% tumor growth inhibition, providing further evidence that PRP may offer a differentiated therapeutic strategy for one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. These encouraging data have prompted the company to accelerate preparations for its planned Phase 1b first-in-human clinical trial, with pancreatic cancer expected to be a primary focus.
Mechanism Targets Tumor Microenvironment and Treatment Resistance
The new findings suggest that PRP may address several biological mechanisms that drive pancreatic cancer progression. Researchers observed significant remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, including reduced cancer-associated fibroblast activity, decreased fibrosis, and suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, all of which are associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Importantly, PRP also appeared to increase the sensitivity of chemotherapy-resistant PDAC cells to the current standard-of-care regimen of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, potentially allowing lower chemotherapy doses while improving overall treatment effectiveness. Animal studies further demonstrated a greater than 2.5-fold improvement in median overall survival compared with untreated controls. Early translational analyses from limited compassionate-use experience involving related pancreatic proenzyme formulations also indicated a favorable safety profile alongside encouraging signals of prolonged survival in patients with advanced solid tumors, supporting continued clinical investigation.
Phase 1b Development Accelerates Following Encouraging Results
Building on these promising findings, Propanc Biopharma is advancing manufacturing, analytical validation, and clinical preparations for its Phase 1b first-in-human study. The investigational therapy PRP is a proprietary fixed-ratio combination of the pancreatic proenzymes trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, administered through once-weekly intravenous infusion. The therapy has previously received U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic cancer, highlighting its potential to address a disease with limited treatment options. The planned clinical trial is expected to enroll approximately 30 to 40 patients with advanced solid tumors, with pancreatic cancer representing a key target indication. The company has also established manufacturing plans targeting GMP production in late 2026, completed pharmacokinetic assay validation activities, and entered into a clinical collaboration with Avance Clinical to support efficient execution of the upcoming study.
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Novel Cancer Stem Cell Strategy May Address High Unmet Need
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains among the deadliest cancers worldwide, with five-year survival rates remaining near 13% despite advances in chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Propanc Biopharma’s PRP is designed to target cancer stem cells, which are believed to contribute to tumor recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. By combining cancer stem cell targeting with remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and improved chemotherapy sensitivity, PRP has the potential to become a novel complementary or alternative treatment approach for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The company plans to submit its clinical trial application in Australia within the coming months, while additional preclinical findings are expected to be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting. If future clinical studies confirm these promising early results, PRP could represent a meaningful advancement for patients facing one of oncology’s most challenging malignancies.
Source:Propanc Biopharma,, press release
