MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 05, 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 highlighted the potential of its lead proenzyme therapy, PRP, as a novel approach that could compete with existing approved therapies for solid tumors, particularly in areas of high unmet need such as pancreatic cancer.

PRP is a proprietary intravenous formulation combining two pancreatic proenzymes—trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen—in a synergistic ratio. This innovative therapy targets cancer stem cells, suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inhibits tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), controls cancer cell migration, and promotes cancer cell death while potentially sparing healthy tissue. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant effects, including over 85% tumor growth inhibition in models and enhanced chemosensitivity, suggesting PRP could improve outcomes when used alongside or as an alternative to standard treatments.

Unlike many approved therapies that focus on direct cytotoxicity or targeted pathways with often severe side effects, PRP represents a differentiated mechanism inspired by over a century of enzyme research. It aims to address the root causes of cancer proliferation, recurrence, and metastasis—the primary drivers of mortality in advanced cancers—potentially offering a long-term, less toxic option for patients.

Current standard treatments for cancers like pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal include chemotherapy regimens (e.g., gemcitabine-based for pancreatic cancer), targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combinations. These options frequently provide limited durable responses, especially in metastatic settings, and are associated with significant toxicity, resistance development, and poor prognosis in late-stage disease.

PRP’s novel proenzyme activation targets cancer stem cells and alters the tumor microenvironment, including effects on cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as recently published in peer-reviewed journals. This positions PRP as a potential complementary or alternative therapy that could enhance efficacy, reduce recurrence, and improve quality of life by minimizing harsh side effects common in conventional chemotherapy or radiation. With FDA Orphan Drug Designation granted in 2017 for pancreatic cancer, PRP addresses a critical gap where approved therapies often fall short in preventing metastasis and extending survival.

The global pancreatic cancer treatment market, one of Propanc’s key initial focus areas, is experiencing robust growth amid rising incidence and ongoing innovation needs. According to industry sources, estimates indicate the market was valued at approximately $3.25 billion in 2025, projected to reach $3.70 billion in 2026 and expand significantly to $10.25 billion by 2034 (CAGR of 13.62%). Broader therapeutics and diagnostics segments for pancreatic cancer are forecasted to be around $4.90 billion in 2025, growing to over $7 billion by 2030.

Solid tumors, including pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, represent about 80% of all cancers and a substantial commercial opportunity. Propanc’s focus on preventing recurrence and metastasis in these indications aligns with the demand for more effective, tolerable long-term therapies in a market where current options leave many patients underserved.

Propanc is preparing for a landmark Phase 1b First-In-Human study in 2026, evaluating PRP in approximately 30 – 40 patients with advanced solid tumors at a leading center like Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. This dose-finding trial will pave the way for subsequent Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in specific indications such as pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The company continues to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio, with recent provisional patent filings and grants enhancing protection for formulations, production methods, and therapeutic applications.

“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 Mr James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “As we advance toward human trials, we remain committed to delivering hope to patients facing limited options for aggressive cancers from solid tumors.”

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
[email protected]

Investor Contact:
[email protected]