Portage Biotech Soars 109.34% on Promising Lung Cancer Data

On March 28, 2025, Portage Biotech's stock price surged by 109.34% in pre-market trading, driven by the company's presentation of promising preclinical data for PORT-7, a selective Adenosine A2B receptor inhibitor, at the 2025 European Lung Cancer Congress.

The preclinical data for PORT-7 demonstrated significant results in a murine mesothelioma model, including over 90% tumor growth inhibition when combined with an anti-PD1 antibody. This data suggests effective reversal of immune suppression, a critical factor in overcoming treatment resistance. The company is preparing to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial with PORT-7.

In addition to PORT-7, Portage is advancing the dose escalation of PORT-6, an A2A adenosine receptor inhibitor, with plans to co-administer both drugs in the ongoing ADPORT-601 trial. This combination aims to achieve a complete blockade of adenosine-induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, potentially enhancing anti-tumor responses and broadening the impact of immunotherapy in solid tumors.

The adenosine pathway targeting approach represents a scientifically sound strategy, particularly relevant in hypoxic tumor conditions like those seen in mesothelioma. By specifically blocking the A2B receptor with PORT-7, Portage is targeting a pathway that has attracted significant interest from larger pharmaceutical companies as a complementary approach to existing immunotherapies.

For mesothelioma patients, who have limited treatment options despite recent immunotherapy advances, this approach could provide much-needed new options. However, as with all preclinical findings, these results must be confirmed in human trials, where complex tumor biology and heterogeneity present significant challenges.

These preclinical results represent a meaningful pipeline advancement for Portage Biotech, establishing proof-of-concept for PORT-7 and supporting the progression to first-in-human trials. The mesothelioma indication is strategically significant, offering regulatory advantages including potential orphan drug designation, faster approval timelines, and pricing premiums if successful.