Propanc Biopharma Investigates “Mesenchymal Drift” to Reverse Chronic Diseases Defined by Altos Labs
Rhea-AI Summary
Propanc Biopharma (NASDAQ: PPCB) announced a joint research program to investigate "mesenchymal drift" and how its lead candidate PRP may reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways implicated in cancer and fibrosis. Propanc filed a patent application for a PRP-based fibrotic disease treatment and is preparing PRP (trypsinogen + chymotrypsinogen IV) for a Phase 1b first-in-human study in advanced solid tumors scheduled to begin in 2026. The 12-month study will determine maximum tolerated dose and precede multiple Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials.
Positive
- Phase 1b first-in-human study scheduled to begin in 2026
- Study length set at 12 months to determine maximum tolerated dose
- Filed a patent application for PRP-based fibrotic disease treatment
- PRP targets EMT pathways relevant to cancer and fibrosis
Negative
- PRP remains at early clinical stage (pre-Phase 1b) with unproven efficacy
- Patent only at application stage, not yet granted
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, PPCB declined 4.25%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +9.3% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -17.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 8 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $493K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $11M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peers showed mixed moves: AKTX +4.33%, RNTX +2.67%, BOLD -2.54%, LIXT -1.41%, ALLR 0%. With PPCB roughly flat at +0.1% pre-news and no peers in the momentum scanner, trading appeared stock-specific rather than part of a coordinated sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 04 | Research expansion | Positive | -4.3% | Joint research on mesenchymal drift and PRP’s role in EMT reversal. |
| Dec 01 | Patent strategy | Positive | +5.5% | Foreign filing license request for patents in resistant cancer and fibrosis. |
| Nov 17 | Earnings & update | Neutral | -2.8% | Q1 results plus PRP development progress and financing details. |
| Nov 10 | Private placement | Negative | -12.4% | Up to $100M Series C preferred financing with extensive warrant coverage. |
| Nov 04 | Acquisition strategy | Negative | -6.2% | Plan to acquire digital asset treasury companies trading below MNAV. |
Recent news often produced sizable moves, with several negative price reactions following financing and strategic announcements, while IP and research updates have shown mixed alignment with price.
Over the last month, Propanc issued multiple updates linking PRP to cancer and fibrosis, including patent steps and plans for a Phase 1b study in 2026. Financing actions such as a $100M private placement facility and an equity offering preceded negative price moves. Strategic interest in digital asset acquisitions also saw a selloff. Today’s mesenchymal drift research update extends the same PRP-centric R&D narrative and follows this sequence of funding and strategy shifts.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement deepens Propanc’s scientific narrative by linking PRP to “mesenchymal drift,” EMT reversal, and chronic conditions like fibrosis, alongside cancer. It reiterates plans for a 12-month, Phase 1b First-In-Human trial in advanced solid tumors starting in 2026. In context of recent financing and strategic updates, investors may watch for concrete trial initiation, additional IP protection, and any shifts in focus between core oncology work and broader chronic disease applications.
Key Terms
mesenchymal drift medical
epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) medical
fibrosis medical
fibroblast activation medical
Phase 1b medical
First-In-Human medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Joint Research Team Focusing on Impact of PRP Reversal of EMT Pathways as Central Role
MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPCB) (“Propanc” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for chronic diseases such as recurrent and metastatic cancer, today announced plans to investigate the phenomenon of “mesenchymal drift”—an emerging area of research that may help unlock the mechanisms behind the reversal of chronic diseases. The concept, advanced by leaders in the field including Altos Labs, Inc., aligns with Propanc’s expanding research efforts into how its lead product candidate, PRP, may influence the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and related pathways central not only to cancer progression but also other chronic diseases. Fibrosis, a major cause of age-related organ failure, represents one such application. Propanc recently filed a patent application describing a PRP-based treatment method for fibrotic disease.
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process in which epithelial cells lose their structural characteristics and acquire migratory, mesenchymal properties. However, excessive or uncontrolled mesenchymal activity can contribute to tumor growth or organ dysfunction, including fibrosis.
“Our cells naturally become more mesenchymal over time, so PRP’s ability to potentially reverse this trend is of tremendous scientific interest,” said Dr. Julian Kenyon, Propanc’s Chief Scientific Officer. Professor Macarena Perán, Joint Lead Researcher from the University of Jaén in Granada, Spain, concurred, adding, “PRP is a strong candidate for chronic diseases such as cancer and fibrosis.”
Dr. Belén Toledo, Propanc Joint Researcher, elaborated: “As Macarena highlighted, EMT plays a central role in mesenchymal drift and fibroblast activation—key drivers of both tumor progression and fibrosis. Based on the evidence we’ve gathered, it would be highly valuable to investigate PRP’s effects with the goal of developing new rejuvenation strategies. Repurposing PRP for a range of chronic diseases like fibrosis, grounded in the pathways we are observing, opens an exciting scientific direction that complements its anti-tumor potential. This research avenue positions us to advance the frontier of medicine.”
Propanc is currently preparing PRP—a combination of pancreatic proenzymes trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen administered intravenously—for a Phase 1b First-In-Human study in patients with advanced solid tumors, scheduled to begin in 2026. The 12-month study will determine the maximum tolerated dose and will be followed by multiple Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials in indications selected by management. These trials “could enable us to reach true blockbuster status,” said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our research continues to generate compelling evidence supporting PRP’s potential across multiple clinical applications.”
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
FAQ
When will Propanc (PPCB) start the Phase 1b PRP trial?
What is the goal and duration of Propanc's PRP Phase 1b study (PPCB)?
Has Propanc (PPCB) filed intellectual property for PRP in fibrosis?
What is "mesenchymal drift" and why is Propanc (PPCB) researching it?
What compounds compose PRP being tested by Propanc (PPCB)?
