NuCana Secures Financial Future, Advances Novel Cancer Therapies

LONDON, UK – November 13, 2025 – NuCana plc (NASDAQ: NCNA) is making strides in the oncology space, securing its financial stability through 2029 and reporting encouraging clinical trial data for its innovative ProTide cancer therapies, NUC-7738 and NUC-3373. The company’s progress is being closely watched by investors and researchers alike, as it seeks to address unmet needs in the treatment of advanced cancers.

ProTide Technology: A New Approach to Chemotherapy

NuCana’s core technology, ProTide, aims to overcome limitations associated with traditional nucleoside analog chemotherapy agents. Unlike conventional drugs, ProTides are designed to bypass cellular resistance mechanisms and enhance drug delivery directly into cancer cells. This approach seeks to improve efficacy while minimizing side effects. NUC-7738, a ProTide transformation of cordycepin, is engineered to resist degradation, increasing its concentration within tumor cells. It also disrupts RNA polyadenylation, impacting gene expression. NUC-3373, derived from 5-fluorouracil, seeks to overcome resistance to this common chemotherapy agent by generating high intracellular levels of FUDR-MP, disrupting nucleotide synthesis, and inducing cancer cell death.

“The fundamental problem with many chemotherapies isn't necessarily the drug itself, but how the body metabolizes it before it reaches the tumor,” explains a leading oncology researcher, who requested anonymity. “ProTide technology attempts to bypass those metabolic barriers, maximizing the amount of active drug reaching the cancer cells.”

Clinical Trial Progress: NUC-7738 and NUC-3373

NuCana’s lead candidate, NUC-7738, is currently in the Phase 2 portion of a Phase 1/2 trial (NuTide:701), evaluating its efficacy both as a standalone therapy and in combination with pembrolizumab for melanoma patients. Data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 showcased a 75% disease control rate, including partial responses, in patients with metastatic melanoma refractory to prior PD-1 inhibitor therapy. An expansion study is underway, adding 28 patients to investigate the combination's effect on PD-1 inhibitor-resistant melanoma. Initial data from this expansion is anticipated in Q4 2025, with final results expected in 2026. The study (NCT03829254) is also exploring NUC-7738's potential in lymphoma.

NUC-3373 is being assessed in a Phase 1b/2 modular study (NuTide:303), both in combination with pembrolizumab for advanced solid tumors and with docetaxel for lung cancer. Promising signals emerged from Module 1 of the NuTide:303 study, demonstrating a 100% reduction in tumor lesion size in a urothelial carcinoma patient and an 81% reduction in target lesions in a metastatic melanoma patient who remained progression-free for 23 months. While a previous Phase 2 study of NUC-3373 in colorectal cancer was discontinued due to lack of efficacy, the company maintains this will not affect the ongoing NuTide:303 study (NCT05714553). Earlier studies (NCT02723240) highlighted that weekly administration of NUC-3373 was more effective than fortnightly dosing.

Securing the Financial Future: Runway to 2029

NuCana has successfully strengthened its financial position, securing funding to extend its cash runway into 2029. As of September 30, 2025, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of £25.2 million. This financial stability is attributable to successful fundraising initiatives, including an At-The-Market (ATM) program and warrant exercises. In Q2 2025, NuCana raised $38.4 million through these efforts. The company’s recent financial activities demonstrate a strategic approach to managing resources and ensuring sustained research and development. Despite reporting a net loss of £24.1 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to warrant revaluation, the extended cash runway provides a solid foundation for future growth.

“Securing long-term funding is critical for any biotech company, especially those in the clinical stage,” says a financial analyst specializing in the pharmaceutical sector. “NuCana’s success in extending its runway provides investors with confidence and allows the company to focus on advancing its pipeline.”

NuCana’s progress is noteworthy in a competitive oncology landscape, where numerous companies are vying to develop innovative cancer therapies. Its ProTide technology represents a promising approach to overcoming the limitations of traditional chemotherapy and improving patient outcomes. The company’s financial stability, coupled with its clinical trial progress, positions it for continued success in the years to come.