MELBOURNE, Australia — October 7, 2026
Propanc Biopharma reported new preclinical findings for its lead candidate PRP in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), highlighting more than 90% mean tumor growth inhibition and a greater than 2.5-fold extension in median survival in advanced pancreatic cancer models. The company is developing PRP as an intravenous fixed-ratio combination of the pancreatic proenzymes trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen at a 1:6 ratio. Propanc said the findings demonstrate a differentiated, non-RAS mechanism that may complement targeted RAS inhibition in pancreatic cancer. The company plans to advance PRP into a multicenter Phase 1b first-in-human study during the first quarter of 2027.
PRP Shows Tumor and Metastatic Activity in PDAC Models
In orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft models of advanced PDAC, intravenous PRP administered three times weekly produced more than 90% mean tumor growth inhibition compared with vehicle controls, with the company reporting statistical significance at p<0.001. The findings build on previously reported tumor growth inhibition above 85%. Propanc also reported a marked reduction in liver and peritoneal metastatic burden and a median overall survival extension of more than 2.5-fold versus controls. The company said these findings support continued investigation of PRP in advanced pancreatic cancer and potentially other metastatic solid tumors. The reported activity remains preclinical, and the planned Phase 1b study will be needed to establish the candidate’s safety, tolerability and appropriate dosing in humans.
PRP Targets Fibrosis and EMT-Related Tumor Biology
Propanc said PRP produced changes beyond direct tumor growth control, including remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, reduced cancer-associated fibroblast activity and decreased fibrosis. The company also reported suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, a biological process associated with tumor invasion and metastatic spread. In additional studies, PRP increased the sensitivity of chemotherapy-resistant PDAC cells to gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, raising the possibility of combining the candidate with established chemotherapy approaches. Propanc believes this mechanism could complement therapies directed at oncogenic signaling because PRP is not designed to inhibit RAS and is not restricted to a specific RAS genotype. The company holds FDA Orphan Drug Designation for PRP in pancreatic cancer.
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Propanc Plans Phase 1b Development in 2027
Propanc contrasted its preclinical PRP findings with the clinical benchmark established by daraxonrasib (RASONQUE), an oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor approved by the FDA in August 2026 for certain patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The company emphasized that PRP and daraxonrasib address different biological mechanisms and said it views PRP as a potential combination or sequential therapy rather than a substitute for RAS inhibition. Propanc plans to begin a Phase 1b study in the first quarter of 2027, expected to enroll up to 50 patients with advanced solid tumors, including pancreatic, ovarian and refractory prostate cancers, at sites across Australia. The planned study will represent the first formal clinical evaluation of PRP and will determine whether the preclinical findings can translate into a viable therapeutic approach.
Source::Propanc Biopharma, press release
