Propanc Receives Patentability Opinion for Method of Treating Cancer Stem Cells
International Search Report concludes majority of claims are novel and inventive
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/28/17 -- Propanc Health Group Corporation (OTCQB: PPCH) ("Propanc" or "the Company"), an emerging healthcare company focusing on development of new and proprietary treatments for cancer patients suffering from solid tumors such as pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers, today announced an International Search Report (ISR) and Written Opinion was issued by the International Searching Authority on a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application recently submitted by the Company. The PCT application covers a method for treating cancer stem cells by administering therapeutically effective amounts of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. The ISR provides a very positive first opinion on the patentability of the claims, where the examiner has considered most claimed subject matter to be novel and inventive.
"We are very pleased with this important step in determining the patentability of a key patent in our portfolio for our lead product, PRP," said James Nathanielsz, Propanc's Chief Executive Officer. "Targeting and eradicating cancer stem cells, whilst minimizing toxic effects towards healthy cells, is fundamental to preventing and treating metastatic cancer, which is the main cause of patient death for sufferers. We firmly believe we have an exciting and innovative approach to address this key issue and look forward to entering the national phase for this key patent in all major jurisdictions around the world."
Cancer stem cells are immortal, tumour-initiating cells that have the capacity to self-renew and can generate different cell types (i.e. pluripotent). Cancer stem cells are found in multiple malignancies, including leukemia and many solid tumours and, given their stem-cell like properties, are thought to be the basis for tumour initiation, development, metastasis and recurrence. They represent only a small fraction of the cancer cells within a tumour and can remain dormant for extended periods of time, thereby evading conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which target rapidly dividing cells. Consequently, a priority for improving cancer treatment and reducing the risk of cancer relapse is to develop new strategies that selectively target cancer stem cell eradication while sparing normal stem cells.
The Company's lead product, PRP, is a novel, patented, formulation consisting of two pancreatic proenzymes, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. Currently in formal preclinical development and progressing towards First-In-Man studies, PRP aims to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis in solid tumors. Eighty percent of all cancers are solid tumors and metastasis is the main cause of patient death from cancer. The Company's initial target patient populations include pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers.
To view Propanc's "Mechanism of Action" video on anti-cancer product candidate, PRP, please click on the following link: http://www.propanc.com/news-media/video
To be added to Propanc's email distribution list, please email PPCH@kcsa.com with "Propanc" in the subject line.
About Propanc:
Propanc is developing new cancer treatments for patients suffering from pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers. We have developed a formulation of anti-cancer compounds, which exert a number of effects designed to control or prevent tumors from recurring and spreading throughout the body. Our products involve or employ pancreatic proenzymes, which are inactive precursors of enzymes. In the near term, we intend to target patients with limited remaining therapeutic options for the treatment of solid tumors. In future, we intend to develop our lead product to treat (i) early stage cancer and (ii) pre-cancerous diseases and (iii) as a preventative measure for patients at risk of developing cancer based on genetic screening. For more information, visit: www.propanc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of federal and state securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include the words "may," "will," "estimate," "intend," "continue," "believe," "expect," "plan" or "anticipate" and other similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties including those regarding our earnings, revenues and financial condition, our ability to implement our plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, our ability to execute on proposed new products, services or development thereof, our ability to establish and maintain the proprietary nature of our technology through the patent process, our ability to license from others patents and patent applications, if necessary, to develop certain products, our ability to implement our long range business plan for various applications of our technology, our ability to enter into agreements with any necessary manufacturing, marketing and/or distribution partners for purposes of commercialization, the results of our clinical research and development, competition in the industry in which we operate, overall market conditions, and any statements or assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Other risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected may be described from time to time in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement contained herein, except as required by law.
Investor Contacts:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Philip Carlson / Elizabeth Barker
propanc@kcsa.com
Media Contacts
Jon Goldberg / Lisa Lipson
propanc@kcsa.com
Source: Propanc Health Group Corporation
Released March 28, 2017