Propanc Biopharma plans to advance clinical trials on lead cancer drug PRP

Propanc Biopharma Inc (OTCMKTS:PPCB) said it is making significant progress with its lead product, cancer-fighting drug PRP, as a targeted cancer stem cell therapy. 

In a statement, the company said it has completed the preclinical development of PRP and it plans to advance clinical trials in the near future. 

PRP, a formulation of two pancreatic proenzymes, works by suppressing cellular pathways involved in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, a process which causes metastasis in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and ultimately can result in secondary tumors. 

“Our findings from our recently published paper confirms the mechanism of action of PRP, which may prove to be [an] effective tool in the fight against metastatic cancer, the main cause of patient death for sufferers,” Chief Scientific Officer Julian Kenyon said in a statement.

“By targeting CSCs, PRP is targeting the fundamental mechanism by which cancer spreads, especially after exposure to chemo or radiation, because they are non-dividing cells and are therefore resistant to standard treatments.”

READ: Propanc Biopharma publishes promising study of its metastatic cancer drug in peer-reviewed medical journal

CSCs have the ability to remain dormant, the company said, which makes them radio- and chemo-resistant while remaining metastatic. 

“We continue to make significant progress with our scientific understanding and development of our lead product, PRP, as a targeted cancer stem cell therapy,” CEO James Nathanielsz said.

“The global metastatic cancer treatment market is predicted to reach nearly $100 Billion over the next 5-year period, and we believe PRP has the potential to impact the way we view and treat cancer, by minimizing the potential for its return and spread in patients.”

The recently published scientific paper, entitled “Pancreatic Proenzymes treatment suppresses BXPC-3 pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell subpopulation and impairs tumor engrafting,” was published on August 6 in the journal Scientific Reports. 

Contact Andrew Kessel at [email protected] 

Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel

Story by ProactiveInvestors