Propanc Biopharma Executes Multi-Yr, Anti-Aging & Cancer Research Collaboration with the Universities of Jaén and Granada, Spain

Rhea-AI Summary

Propanc Biopharma (Nasdaq: PPCB) executed a multi-year joint research collaboration with the Universities of Jaén and Granada, Spain, marking the fifth agreement over a 17-year relationship. The partnership supports evaluation of a senescence-modulating compound, aims to bolster recently filed fibrosis and cancer patent claims, and will run experiments over the next two years to strengthen intellectual property and mechanistic data while leveraging UJA and UGR in vitro and in vivo facilities.

Positive

• Fifth collaboration over a 17-year relationship with UJA and UGR
• Four patent families previously filed with university work contributing to IP
• Advancing to Phase 1b First‑In‑Human study planned this year for lead asset PRP
• Two-year experimental program to support fibrosis and cancer patent claims

Negative

• Clinical proof pending: Phase 1b results not yet available and remain uncertain
• Preclinical dependency persists: current work focuses on in vitro and in vivo validation

News Market Reaction – PPCB

-5.94%

10 alerts

-5.94% News Effect

+12.8% Peak Tracked

-18.4% Trough Tracked

-$118K Valuation Impact

$1.87M Market Cap

0.3x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, PPCB declined 5.94%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +12.8% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -18.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 10 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $118K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.87M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Collaboration history: 5 agreements Collaboration duration: 17 years Patent families: 4 patent families +5 more

8 metrics

Collaboration history 5 agreements Fifth agreement between Propanc and Universities of Jaén and Granada

Collaboration duration 17 years Seventeen-year period of Propanc–university collaborations

Patent families 4 patent families Outcomes from prior collaborations with the universities

Peer-reviewed publications 5 publications Peer-reviewed articles arising from the collaboration

Academic qualifications 2 PhDs Doctorates awarded to research team members from collaboration

Planned trial phase Phase 1b First-In-Human study in advanced cancer patients referenced by CEO

IP strengthening horizon 2 years CEO’s stated timeframe to strengthen intellectual property

Current share price $0.1178 Pre-news trading price vs 52-week range of $0.1119–$24.00

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.1022 Vol: Volume 3,726,784 is 1.69x...

high vol

$0.1022 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,726,784 is 1.69x the 20-day average of 2,200,990, indicating elevated trading interest before this news. high

Technical Shares at $0.1178 are trading below the $2.13 200-day MA and sit close to the $0.1119 52-week low, far from the $24.00 high.

Peers on Argus

Peer biotech names show mixed moves, with AKTX down 4.34%, while ALLR and LIXT a...

2 Up 1 Down

Peer biotech names show mixed moves, with AKTX down 4.34%, while ALLR and LIXT are up 3.36% and 7.52% respectively, suggesting stock-specific factors for PPCB rather than a unified sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 12 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 12	Preclinical efficacy update	Positive	-13.6%	Reported >85% tumor inhibition and outlined PRP Phase 1b trial plans.
Mar 10	Service agreement	Positive	-20.5%	Signed FyoniBio deal to develop LC-MS PK assay for PRP Phase 1b study.
Mar 03	PRP development update	Positive	-5.2%	Highlighted >85% tumor inhibition, Orphan Drug status, and $100M facility.
Feb 18	Corporate & results	Positive	-4.5%	Provided half-year results, IP expansion, and $100M private placement facility.
Feb 05	PRP market positioning	Positive	+5.7%	Positioned PRP for large pancreatic cancer market with strong preclinical data.

Pattern Detected

Recent, generally positive R&D and corporate updates often coincided with negative price reactions, indicating a pattern of sell-offs into news, with one notable positive reaction to a high-profile PRP positioning piece.

Recent Company History

Over the last two months, Propanc released multiple updates on its lead asset PRP, including >85% tumor growth inhibition data and plans for a Phase 1b trial in 2026, alongside IP expansion and financing facilities up to $100M. Despite these seemingly constructive milestones, four of the last five news events saw negative 24-hour price reactions. Today’s collaboration agreement continues the theme of building scientific and clinical infrastructure around PRP while the share price trades near its 52-week low.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -5.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite positive colla...

Analysis

The stock moved -5.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite positive collaboration news fits recent patterns where constructive PRP updates coincided with weak price performance. The stock had been trading well below its 200-day MA and near its 52-week low before this announcement, against a backdrop of financing-related filings, dilution risk and a disclosed going-concern uncertainty. Such structural pressures have often overshadowed scientific progress, making it plausible that investors focused more on capital structure than on long-term R&D potential.

Key Terms

senescence, in vitro, in vivo, fibrosis, +3 more

7 terms

senescence medical

"evaluation of a senescence-modulating (i.e., anti-aging) compound to mitigate senescence"

Senescence is the process by which cells stop dividing and enter a long-term, inactive state while remaining alive and sending signals to their neighbors. Think of senescent cells as retired workers who no longer perform useful tasks but clutter the workplace and call attention to problems; they can drive inflammation, tissue decline, and disease. For investors, senescence matters because it is a key target for drugs and diagnostics in aging-related and chronic diseases, influencing the potential size, risk, and timeline of biotech investments.

in vitro medical

"will conduct the study, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, data analysis"

In vitro describes laboratory tests performed on cells, tissues, or biological molecules outside a living body—literally “in glass,” such as in test tubes or dishes. For investors, in vitro results are an early sign that a drug or technology has a desired effect under controlled conditions, but they don’t guarantee it will work or be safe in animals or people; think of them as a prototype tested on a bench rather than in real-world use.

in vivo medical

"will conduct the study, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, data analysis"

In vivo describes tests or experiments performed inside a living organism, such as an animal or human, to observe how a drug, device or biological process behaves in a real, functioning body. Investors care because in vivo results reveal safety, effectiveness and possible side effects that lab tests cannot, much like road-testing a prototype car in traffic rather than only on a bench — outcomes can strongly influence regulatory approval, clinical success and a company’s valuation.

fibrosis medical

"support the claims of recently filed fibrosis and cancer related patent applications"

Fibrosis is the process where excess scar tissue forms in an organ or tissue, often as a response to injury or long-term damage. This buildup can impair normal function, much like thickening insulation reduces the effectiveness of a wire. For investors, fibrosis is significant because it can signal ongoing health issues that may lead to increased medical costs or influence a company’s performance in healthcare-related sectors.

metastatic medical

"treatments for chronic diseases, including recurrent and metastatic cancer"

Metastatic describes cancer that has spread from its original spot to other organs or tissues, like weeds moving from one garden bed into several others. For investors, metastatic disease matters because it often requires more complex, long-term treatments, larger clinical trials, and can drive demand for specialized drugs and diagnostics—factors that affect a drug’s development costs, regulatory risk, market size, and potential revenue.

phase 1b medical

"advancing our lead asset, PRP to a Phase 1b, First-In-Human study in advanced cancer patients"

"Phase 1b" is an early stage in testing a new medical treatment or vaccine, where it is given to a small group of people to evaluate its safety and determine the right dose. For investors, this phase signals progress in development, indicating the treatment is advancing through initial safety checks, which can influence expectations for future success and potential market impact.

proenzyme medical

"a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for chronic diseases"

A proenzyme is an inactive precursor of an enzyme that becomes functional only after a specific chemical change, such as a cut or small modification, much like a tool with a safety latch that must be released before it can be used. For investors, proenzymes matter because they are common drug targets or biomarkers in biotechnology and healthcare: whether a therapeutic can safely control activation, or a test can detect the inactive versus active form, can affect a product’s effectiveness, safety profile, regulatory approval and commercial value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Fifth Agreement between Propanc & the Universities over a 17yr Period

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 24, 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 announced that a multi-year Joint Research Collaboration Agreement has been established with the Universities of Jaén (UJA) and Granada (UGR), Spain. This is the fifth agreement between Propanc and the universities over a seventeen-year period resulting in four patent families being filed, five peer reviewed publications accepted, numerous scientific presentations delivered, as well as two PhD’s and a professorship awarded to members of the Universities’ research team members.

The collaboration involves the evaluation of a senescence-modulating (i.e., anti-aging) compound to mitigate senescence and to complete experiments to further support the claims of recently filed fibrosis and cancer related patent applications, requested by Propanc Biopharma Inc. to the research group “Biological Technologies of The University of Jaén” and UGR’s Research Group, “Advanced Therapies: Differentiation, Regeneration and Cancer.”

Prof. Macarena Perán Quesada, University of Jaén, will oversee management and coordination functions of the working team and will be the scientist in charge of the project appointed by the university. Two Postdoctoral Fellows of the UJA, Dr Maria Belén Toledo and Dr Aitor González-Titos will conduct the study, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Prof. Juan Antonio Marchal Corrales, head of the Laboratory in Bio-fabrication and 3D-bioprinting of the University of Granada will oversee management of equipment and facilities necessary to perform in vitro and in vivo experiments and will be the scientist in charge of the experimental designs and project by the university.

“As we enter an exciting phase for the Company advancing our lead asset, PRP to a Phase 1b, First-In-Human study in advanced cancer patients this year, we are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with our partner universities, specifically Professors Quesada and Marchal and the research team. Over the next two years, our goal is to strengthen our intellectual property and to better understand how PRP technology can overcome numerous resistant tumors, and additionally, rejuvenate cells to overcome age-related, chronic diseases, such as fibrosis,” said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “The market potential of PRP is significant and of a high degree of interest among the scientific community. As we transform into a clinical-stage R&D Company we look forward to possible major discoveries that broadens the therapeutic potential of PRP in several life-threatening diseases based on cell and tissue rejuvenation.”

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
info@propanc.com

Investor Contact:
irteam@propanc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7485c6d4-936a-4f7a-9bd2-0f25d12e5c8a

FAQ

What did Propanc (PPCB) announce on March 24, 2026 about its Spain collaboration?

They announced a multi-year research collaboration with the Universities of Jaén and Granada to evaluate a senescence-modulating compound. According to the company, this is the fifth agreement over a 17-year partnership and will fund in vitro and in vivo studies over two years.

How does the Propanc and UJA/UGR collaboration affect PPCB's intellectual property?

The collaboration aims to strengthen and support fibrosis and cancer patent claims through experiments. According to the company, prior collaborations produced four patent families and five peer-reviewed publications linked to the university research teams.

What role will the Universities of Jaén and Granada play in Propanc's research program for PPCB?

UJA will manage project coordination and postdoctoral research while UGR provides biofabrication and 3D‑bioprinting facilities. According to the company, university scientists will lead experimental design, conduct in vitro and in vivo work, and prepare manuscripts.

Does the Propanc announcement signal clinical progress for PRP (PPCB)?

Yes; the company said PRP is advancing to a Phase 1b First‑In‑Human study this year, indicating clinical-stage progression. According to the company, the university collaboration aims to bolster mechanistic data supporting that clinical advancement.

What tangible outputs have come from prior Propanc collaborations with these universities?

Prior partnerships yielded four patent families, five peer-reviewed publications, two PhDs, and a professorship for university researchers. According to the company, those outcomes reflect long-term scientific cooperation and IP generation.

What is the timeline and focus of the new Propanc (PPCB) research agreement signed March 24, 2026?

The new agreement covers multi-year work with a two-year experimental focus to evaluate senescence modulation and support patent claims. According to the company, experiments will include both in vitro and in vivo studies under university oversight.