Propanc Biopharma Establishes Joint Research Collaboration Agreement with the Universities of Jaén and Granada

Rhea-AI Summary

Propanc Biopharma (OTC-PINK:PPCB) has entered a Joint Research Collaboration Agreement with the Universities of Jaén and Granada, Spain, focused on the effects of proenzyme therapy on the tumor microenvironment, vital for cancer progression. Research led by Mrs. Belén Toledo Cutillas shows proenzymes can reverse malignant phenotypes, presenting potential for differentiation therapy. The company retains all intellectual property rights from this project, which may expand its patent portfolio related to its lead product candidate, PRP, an intravenous treatment composed of proenzymes.

Positive

• Joint Research Collaboration Agreement with Spanish universities could enhance research capabilities.
• Potential advancements in cancer treatment through proenzyme therapy may lead to new patentable products.
• Retaining intellectual property rights from research could strengthen the company's market position.

Negative

• Risks associated with reliance on research outcomes to support product development.
• Dependence on external research teams may pose challenges in control and consistency.

Research Evaluates Effects of Against the Tumor Microenvironment

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: PPCB) (“Propanc” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer treatments for patients suffering from recurring and metastatic cancer, today announced that a Joint Research Collaboration Agreement has been established with the Universities of Jaén and Granada, Spain. Since late 2020, Mrs. Belén Toledo Cutillas MSc, has been investigating an important experimental thesis on the effects of proenzyme therapy and the impact on the tumor microenvironment, which is key to the development, invasion, metastatic spread and recurrence of solid tumors. The work is being conducted at the laboratory of Professor Macarena Perán PhD, who is the lead researcher on the project and is the second Joint Research Collaboration Agreement currently in progress with the two Spanish Universities.

To date, encouraging results demonstrates that proenzymes have specific effects on tumor cells and CSCs, but also other tumor elements in the tumor microenvironment. However, the most significant conclusion is that proenzymes cause a reversal of the malignant phenotype (observable characteristics) towards a normal, or benign state. This process of reversing the tumor phenotype, called differentiation, is how proenzymes exert anti-tumor, anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects. Therefore, proenzyme treatment may be considered differentiation therapy, which exerts these effects on malignant cells, but leaves healthy cells alone. To achieve these results, Mrs. Cutillas used integrated 3-dimensional bio-impressions of tumor cells from patients with advanced solid tumors, developed at the Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, led by Professor Juan Marchal MD.

Along with lead researcher, Professor Perán, and Mrs. Cutillas, additional research team members from the University of Jaén are assisting on the project, as well as Professor Marchal and Dr Maria Angel Garcia, from the University of Granada. Propanc will own any intellectual property developed during the research, and publishing rights, in exchange for any net future royalties from intellectual property rights.

Dr Julian Kenyon, Md, MB, ChB, Propanc’s Chief Scientific Officer said, “Evaluating the effects of proenzyme therapy in the tumor microenvironment is of scientific interest, as it demonstrates whether proenzymes penetrate into this target area and exert its effects. At the same time, it confirms the selectivity of the drug on solid tumors, by targeting cancer cells and leaving healthy cells alone. The clinical implications are also potentially significant, which may result in novel discoveries and lead to exciting new ways to treat cancer patients suffering from solid tumors without the toxicity normally associated with standard treatment regimens.”

“Continuing to expand our research efforts in the use of proenzymes and cancer leading to the identification of further discoveries can provide additional patentable subject matter and expand our intellectual property portfolio, which covers the invention relating to our lead product candidate, PRP. I look forward to working closely with Professor Perán and her team on this exciting project,” said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer.

PRP is a mixture of two proenzymes, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen from bovine pancreas administered by intravenous injection. A synergistic ratio of 1:6 inhibits growth of most tumor cells. Examples include kidney, ovarian, breast, brain, prostate, colorectal, lung, liver, uterine and skin cancers.

About Propanc Biopharma, Inc.

Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (the “Company”) is developing a novel approach to prevent recurrence and metastasis of solid tumors by using pancreatic proenzymes that target and eradicate cancer stem cells in patients suffering from pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers. For more information, please visit www.propanc.com.

The Company’s novel proenzyme therapy is based on the science that enzymes stimulate biological reactions in the body, especially enzymes secreted by the pancreas. These pancreatic enzymes could represent the body’s primary defense against cancer.

To view the Company’s “Mechanism of Action” video on its anti-cancer lead product candidate, PRP, please click on the following link: http://www.propanc.com/news-media/video

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include uncertainties as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern absent new debt or equity financings; the Company’s current reliance on substantial debt financing that it is unable to repay in cash; the Company’s ability to successfully remediate material weaknesses in its internal controls; the Company’s ability to reach research and development milestones as planned and within proposed budgets; the Company’s ability to control costs; the Company’s ability to obtain adequate new financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to successfully initiate and complete clinical trials and its ability to successful develop PRP, its lead product candidate; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain patent protection; the Company’s ability to recruit employees and directors with accounting and finance expertise; the Company’s dependence on third parties for services; the Company’s dependence on key executives; the impact of government regulations, including FDA regulations; the impact of any future litigation; the availability of capital; changes in economic conditions, competition; and other risks, including, but not limited to, those described in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligations to update these statements except as may be required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220803005047/en/

Investor Relations and Media:

Mr. James Nathanielsz

Propanc Biopharma, Inc.

irteam@propanc.com

+61-3-9882-0780

Source: Propanc Biopharma, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Propanc Biopharma's recent collaboration with Spanish universities?

The collaboration aims to evaluate the effects of proenzyme therapy on the tumor microenvironment related to cancer treatment.

What are the potential benefits of proenzyme therapy according to Propanc Biopharma's research?

Proenzyme therapy may reverse malignant tumor characteristics and could be a novel approach to treating solid tumors.

What is the significance of the lead product candidate, PRP, for Propanc Biopharma?

PRP is a mixture of proenzymes that may inhibit the growth of various tumor cells, representing a key focus of the company's treatment efforts.

What type of cancer is Propanc Biopharma targeting with its therapies?

Propanc Biopharma targets pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal cancers with its proenzyme treatments.

How does Propanc Biopharma's research impact its financial performance?

The collaboration could lead to new patentable products, which may enhance the company's market position and revenue potential.