Propanc Biopharma gears up to file clinical trial application for its lead anti-cancer therapy PRP

Propanc Biopharma Inc (OTCMTKS:PPCBD), revealed Monday that it was preparing a clinical trial application for its lead drug candidate PRP, a mix of proenzymes that target solid cancerous tumors.

The Melbourne-based company developing new cancer treatments said in a statement that it plans to submit its first clinical trial application for PRP (which is not an acronym) in the second half of 2019.

The company told investors in an update that this will be followed by a first-in-human study of PRP in advanced cancer patients in the first half of 2020.

READ: Propanc poised to unlock shareholder value as it boosts its patent portfolio for cancer-fighting drugs

The company’s cancer treatment is based on work undertaken by John Beard, a professor of embryology at Edinburgh University nearly 100 years ago, that uses fresh pancreatic enzyme extracts. Professor Beard proposed that the pancreatic enzymes represent the body’s primary defense against cancer and are useful as a cancer treatment.

In the last 10 years, Propanc has uncovered evidence to suggest that pancreatic enzymes basically assist with cell-to-cell contact and communication and can be used to halt the spread of cancer.

The company’s lead product PRP is a formula consisting of two proenzymes mixed in a ratio that targets solid tumors. After extensive research in the lab and limited human testing, Propanc has produced evidence that PRP reduces cancer cell growth and may suppress the progression of cancer when it turns metastatic. It’s also been found to have no serious side effects.

Turning back malignant cells

“To our knowledge, no other cancer drugs, or even cancer stem cell therapies, can make a claim of turning back malignant cells towards becoming benign,” said Propanc CEO James Nathanielsz. “Our research has identified proenzymes, supported by nearly 100 years of use and numerous scientific publications supporting proenzymes as a treatment method for numerous inflammatory conditions, as well as cancer, that a synergistic ratio of these proenzymes may regulate cell proliferation as a means to control the growth and spread of malignant tumor cells.”

The biopharmaceutical company said 80% of cancers in patients are from solid tumors and metastasis is the “main cause” of death. PRP targets cancer stem cells which are resistant to standard treatments, remain dormant for long periods, then migrate to other organs, triggering explosive tumor growth.

“Not only have we seen significant extension of life as a result of PRP demonstrated in a compassionate use study of advanced cancer patients, but almost all of the patients experienced a relief of symptoms without any severe, or even serious side effects from treatment,” said Nathanielsz.

First-in-human study

The CEO said the company was planning for a first-in-human study by undertaking “full scale manufacturing” of PRP for human use and also developing a pharmacokinetic method to analyze distribution of PRP from human plasma.

PRP has shown effectiveness in pancreatic, kidney, breast, brain, prostate, lung, liver, uterine, and skin cancers. The company explained that proenzyme therapy targets cancer stem cells not killed by radiation and chemotherapy. That is how PRP addresses an unmet medical need for combating solid tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Corporate update

Meanwhile, Propanc’s 1-for-500 reverse stock split was concluded at the open of business on June 24. The company said shares in Propanc are now trading on the OTCQB Venture market at a post-split adjusted price.

In connection with the split, Propanc’s trading symbol temporarily changed to PPCBD. The “D” in Propanc’s current trading symbol will remain for 20 business days until July 22, after which the company’s trading symbol will revert to its original symbol, PPCB.

Contact Uttara Choudhury at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive 

Story by ProactiveInvestors