On the December 3 edition of the Stocks & Markets Podcast, Michael Breen, CEO of **GT Biopharma** (GTBP), shared insights into the future of cancer treatment. During his conversation with host **Chris Versace**, Breen emphasized the importance of developing a “humane” approach to cancer therapies. He highlighted the potential growth of the biopharmaceutical cancer market, which is projected to rise from approximately **$225 million** in 2024 to potentially over **$360 billion** by **2030** to **2034** due to increasing cancer rates and advancements in treatment options.
Breen articulated the pressing need for innovative therapies, stating, “We want to find a more humane cure for cancer.” He pointed out that existing treatment methods have remained largely unchanged since the end of World War II. Current options for patients typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, each carrying significant drawbacks.
Examining Current Treatment Options
Breen elaborated on the limitations of traditional cancer treatments. “The first option is surgery, where they take a scalpel to cut out the cancer,” he explained, noting that this method does not account for metastasis. He continued, “The second option is chemotherapy, which poisons the blood, leaving patients feeling incredibly sick.” This treatment can severely compromise patients’ immune systems, exposing them to further health risks.
Radiotherapy, the third common treatment, has its own challenges, as Breen described it as “burning your flesh.” In contrast, he presented GT Biopharma’s new therapy, which is a protein-based drug administered either through intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. He stated, “Our approach is much more humane.”
The company plans to submit an investigational new drug application to the **U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** by the end of **2023** or early **January 2024**, with hopes of commencing clinical trials in the first half of **2026**. Breen indicated that the focus will be on treating several prevalent solid tumors, including bladder, pancreatic, ovarian, lung, head and neck, breast, and prostate cancers.
Targeting the Most Common Cancers
Breen illustrated the urgency of their mission, noting that **one in eight women** is diagnosed with breast cancer and **one in eight men** faces prostate cancer. “We are targeting the biggest, most prolific cancers with a humane drug,” he stated. This protein-based approach avoids the invasive and toxic nature of traditional treatments, marking a significant shift in cancer care.
When Versace inquired about what distinguishes GT Biopharma from its competitors, Breen asserted that their drug has exhibited no toxicity issues in trials. “Our drug is significantly more cost-effective because it’s easier to manufacture,” he explained. This cost-effectiveness may lead to a more favorable reception from health insurers, enhancing accessibility for patients.
Breen also acknowledged the global nature of cancer, stating, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Australia, Singapore, or America.” This underscores GT Biopharma’s commitment to exploring international partnerships for clinical trials, reflecting the universal challenge posed by cancer.
In his role, Breen emphasizes the importance of securing intellectual property rights for their innovations. “The most important thing is the intellectual property,” he remarked, ensuring that the company is focused on protecting its technological advancements.
With several promising candidates in the pipeline, GT Biopharma is poised to make significant strides in cancer treatment. Breen concluded, “We have some very interesting tech that’s worth considering for anyone doing due diligence on our company.”
As the biopharmaceutical landscape evolves, the insights shared by Breen highlight a crucial shift towards more humane cancer therapies, aiming to meet the urgent needs of patients worldwide.
