Propanc Biopharma Publishes Impact of Proenzymes on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Fibroblasts in Peer Reviewed Journal

Rhea-AI Summary

Propanc Biopharma (Nasdaq: PPCB) and partners published peer‑reviewed results in Scientific Reports (Dec 22, 2025) on the impact of pancreatic proenzymes (PRP) on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) fibroblasts.

The study reports that PRP, composed of bovine trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, exerts multifaceted effects on cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells and is described as a potential disruptor of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The company plans a Phase 1b clinical study in advanced solid‑tumor patients in Q3 2026 to determine a Phase 2 dose, with PDAC as a target indication.

Positive

• Peer‑reviewed publication in Scientific Reports on Dec 22, 2025
• PRP described as a multifaceted disruptor of the PDAC tumor microenvironment
• Planned Phase 1b clinical study in advanced solid tumors in Q3 2026

Negative

• Clinical efficacy in humans not yet established; only preclinical/experimental data reported

Key Figures

Target indication PDAC projected 2nd leading cancer killer by 2030 Disease burden context for PRP development

Planned Phase 1b timing Q3 2026 First-in-human PRP study in advanced solid tumors

Market Reality Check

$0.6509 Last Close

Volume Volume 41,470 is well below 20-day average of 258,058 (relative volume 0.16). low

Technical Shares at 0.711 are trading below the 200-day MA of 5.44 and near the 52-week low of 0.70.

Peers on Argus

PPCB was down 1.25% pre-news while close biotech peers were mixed, with AKTX up 7.88%, LIXT up 10.49%, RNTX up 5.19%, and BOLD down 4.69%, indicating stock-specific factors rather than a clear sector move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 04	Research program update	Positive	-4.3%	Joint research on mesenchymal drift and PRP with Phase 1b planning.
Dec 01	IP and patent update	Positive	+5.5%	Foreign filing license request for cancer and fibrosis treatment patents.
Nov 17	Earnings and corporate	Neutral	-2.8%	Q1 2025/26 results plus PRP development, financing, and GMP updates.
Nov 10	Private placement	Negative	-12.4%	Up to $100M Series C preferred stock deal with significant warrant coverage.
Nov 04	Acquisition strategy	Positive	-6.2%	Plan to acquire digital asset treasury companies trading below MNAV.

Pattern Detected

Recent PPCB news has mostly been positive or strategic, yet price reactions have skewed negative, especially around financing and acquisition announcements, suggesting a tendency for shareholders to sell into such updates.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, PPCB has issued a series of updates centered on its proenzyme candidate PRP and balance-sheet initiatives. On Nov 4 and Nov 10, the company outlined a digital asset acquisition plan and a Series C preferred private placement of up to $100M, both followed by double‑digit and mid‑single‑digit declines. A Nov 17 corporate update highlighted financing and manufacturing progress, while early December releases on patents and fibrotic indications for PRP drew mixed, mostly modest price moves. Today’s PDAC-focused preclinical publication fits the ongoing PRP development narrative.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights peer‑reviewed data showing PRP’s multifaceted effects on PDAC tumor microenvironment components, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy. It fits a broader pattern of PRP‑focused research and IP activity ahead of a planned Phase 1b trial in Q3 2026. Against this, recent filings reported no revenue, sizeable losses, and going‑concern warnings. Investors may watch for concrete clinical trial initiation, funding execution, and any changes in strategic initiatives to gauge how this scientific progress translates operationally.

Key Terms

pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma medical

"regarding the impact of proenzymes on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) fibroblasts"

A fast-growing cancer that starts in the cells lining the pancreas’ small ducts; it is the most common and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. It matters to investors because its severity and limited treatment options drive high unmet medical need, large potential markets for effective drugs or diagnostics, and strong sensitivity of company valuations to clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, or changes in treatment guidelines—similar to how fixing a main leak can prevent major damage in a building.

tumor microenvironment medical

"The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation"

The tumor microenvironment is the immediate area surrounding a cancer cell, made up of nearby cells, blood vessels, and support structures that influence how the cancer grows and spreads. It functions like a bustling neighborhood that can either help or hinder the tumor’s development. For investors, understanding changes in this environment can signal the effectiveness of treatments and potential shifts in a cancer-related market.

Phase 1b medical

"We plan to undertake our Phase 1b 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.

Phase 2 medical

"determine our target dose for Phase 2 studies in which PDAC is one"

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Results Underscore PRP Candidacy as a Disruptor of the Tumor Microenvironment

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 22, 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 that the Company and its joint research partners at the Universities of Jaén and Granada published key findings in a peer reviewed journal, Scientific Reports, regarding the impact of proenzymes on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) fibroblasts. From the publishers of Nature, Scientific Reports is an online, open access journal, which publishes primary research from all areas of the natural and clinical sciences. The article is entitled, “Impact of pancreatic proenzymes on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated fibroblasts,” and available online. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation, progression, and the form of pre-metastatic niches. PDAC is characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma containing a significant enriched population of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The interplay between CAFs and tumor cells is crucial in driving tumor advancement and metastasis, underscoring the potential benefits of novel therapeutic strategies targeting stromal cells to improve patient survival. PRP, consisting of two bovine derived pancreatic proenzymes, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, have shown efficacy in cancer treatment. The findings demonstrate PRP exerts multifaceted effects. Results underscore the candidacy of PRP as a potential disruptor of the TME.

Future clinical investigation is planned to validate the translational potential of PRP as an adjunct therapy for PDAC patients who no longer respond to standard treatment regimen. Despite recent advancements in clinical management, PDAC remains one of the most aggressive and deadliest forms of cancer, projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. PDAC is characterized by its late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and poor prognosis.

“Our findings demonstrate that PRP exerts multifaceted effects specifically over the CAFs population and tumor cells. All together, these results highlight PRP as a promising adjunct therapeutic candidate capable of disrupting key interactions within the PDAC TME,” said Dr. Belén Toledo, PhD, joint lead researcher from the University of Jaén.

“After several years of research pioneered with our scientific researchers, we find ourselves publishing compelling scientific evidence that PRP has the potential to dramatically alter the way we perceive poor patients diagnosed with this killer disease,” said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “We plan to undertake our Phase 1b study in advanced cancer patients suffering from solid tumors in Q3, 2026, and further announcements are anticipated. This pivotal study will determine our target dose for Phase 2 studies in which PDAC is one of our target therapeutic indications. We look forward to advancing PRP into the clinic as soon as possible to help PDAC patients with such a poor survival prognosis.”

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

What did Propanc (PPCB) publish on Dec 22, 2025 about PDAC fibroblasts?

Propanc and university partners published a peer‑reviewed Scientific Reports paper reporting that PRP affects cancer‑associated fibroblasts and tumor cells in PDAC.

What is PRP and how is it described in the PPCB publication?

PRP consists of bovine trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen and is described as exerting multifaceted effects on CAFs and the PDAC tumor microenvironment.

When will PPCB begin clinical testing of PRP for advanced solid tumors?

Propanc plans to initiate a Phase 1b study in advanced cancer patients in Q3 2026 to determine a Phase 2 target dose.

Does the PPCB publication report human clinical results for PRP in PDAC?

No; the paper reports experimental/bench research on CAFs and tumor cells and clinical validation is planned but not yet reported.

How might the PPCB Scientific Reports paper affect investor timelines?

The publication supports preclinical rationale and sets a clear near‑term clinical milestone: a planned Phase 1b in Q3 2026.

Is PDAC a target indication for Propanc (PPCB) following the publication?

Yes; PDAC is listed as one of the target therapeutic indications for PRP in planned Phase 2 studies.