Press Releases May 19, 2026 08:45 AM

Propanc Biopharma Engages European CDMO for GMP Production of PRP for Phase 1b, FIH Study in 30 – 40 Advanced Cancer Patients

Propanc Biopharma initiates GMP manufacturing of lead proenzyme therapy PRP for Phase 1b clinical trial in advanced cancer patients

By Marcus Reed PPCB

Propanc Biopharma engages a European CDMO to produce GMP-grade PRP for its upcoming Phase 1b, First-In-Human study targeting 30-40 advanced cancer patients with solid tumors. PRP is a novel proenzyme therapy administered intravenously once weekly, aiming to induce cancer cell differentiation rather than direct cell killing. The therapy has received Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic cancer and has shown promising compassionate use data indicating extended patient survival without severe side effects. The Phase 1b trial marks a crucial step towards early-stage clinical development with potential to transform treatment options for late-stage cancer patients.

Propanc Biopharma Engages European CDMO for GMP Production of PRP for Phase 1b, FIH Study in 30 – 40 Advanced Cancer Patients
PPCB

Key Points

  • Propanc's lead asset PRP is entering Phase 1b clinical trials with GMP manufacturing secured through a European CDMO.
  • PRP employs a first-in-class proenzyme therapy mechanism inducing cancer cell differentiation, with potential survival benefits demonstrated in compassionate use data.
  • PRP has received Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for pancreatic cancer, highlighting regulatory recognition and potential market exclusivity.
  • Sectors impacted include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, oncology therapeutics, and healthcare investment markets.

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 19, 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 Contract and Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) has been engaged for the GMP manufacture of the Company’s lead asset, PRP, for the upcoming Phase 1b, First-In-Human (FIH) study in 30 – 40 advanced cancer patients suffering from solid tumors. Based in Europe, the CDMO provides end-to-end services for preclinical and clinical projects, with extensive experience in decoding biologics production (plasmid DNA and recombinant proteins) providing services of cell line generation, banking and characterization, analytical development, process development and batches production of both drug substances and drug products (decoding biologics production refers to the specialized process of understanding, optimizing, and controlling the manufacturing of complex medicines derived from living cells, such as proteins, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies).

“PRP is a world first clinical study of proenzyme therapy by once weekly intravenous (IV) administration for the treatment of advanced cancer patients…”
“After a thorough process, management are pleased to undertake this pivotal step for GMP production of PRP for the upcoming Phase 1 FIH clinical study which…”
“PRP is a world first clinical study of proenzyme therapy by once weekly intravenous (IV) administration for the treatment of advanced cancer patients…”
“After a thorough process, management are pleased to undertake this pivotal step for GMP production of PRP for the upcoming Phase 1 FIH clinical study which…”
“PRP is a world first clinical study of proenzyme therapy by once weekly intravenous (IV) administration for the treatment of advanced cancer patients…”

“After a thorough process, management are pleased to undertake this pivotal step for GMP production of PRP for the upcoming Phase 1 FIH clinical study which we plan to file the clinical trial application for later this year. Further, I am confident we have selected the right partner to execute our plan to enter early-stage clinical development, at the earliest opportunity,” said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. “PRP is a world first clinical study of proenzyme therapy by once weekly intravenous (IV) administration for the treatment of advanced cancer patients suffering from solid tumors. Management believes PRP is a first in class therapy which has the potential to enhance survival prospects for late-stage patients like recent clinical advancements observed with other candidates in the sector, such as KRAS inhibitors. Results from this upcoming trial can potentially be transformative for the Company, and its shareholders.”

Unlike most treatment approaches which kills cancer cells directly, PRP induces differentiation so that cells return towards a normal state and die off naturally. Compassionate use data from a study published in Scientific Reports, an online Nature journal, demonstrates a significant life extension of 19 from 46 terminal patients suffering from a range of solid tumors via a fixed combination of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen in a suppository formulation, administered once daily, without severe, or even serious side effects observed from treatment. The planned Phase 1b study for PRP administered once weekly intravenously will be at significantly higher doses based on non-clinical safety and tolerability studies, which translates to a safe starting dose in humans. PRP achieved Orphan Drug Designation status from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in 2017.

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

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

[email protected]


Risks

  • Clinical trial outcomes remain uncertain and efficacy/safety must be demonstrated in humans before any commercial success.
  • Manufacturing and scale-up risks exist despite CDMO partnership, which could delay clinical timelines.
  • Regulatory approvals and market adoption face inherent uncertainties in biopharmaceutical development, impacting timelines and stock performance.

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