The world of cancer research is in the midst of a revolution. An ambitious global fight, led by U.S. President Joe Biden’s relaunched "Cancer Moonshot" initiative, aims to slash cancer death rates by 50% within the next 25 years. The renewed initiative, parallel to the efforts of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), is seeking to change the course of the deadliest cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

The panorama of cancer has transformed over the past two decades. With advancements in treatments targeting specific mutations, immunotherapies, cancer vaccines, and early detection tools, we have seen a decrease in the age-adjusted death rate from cancer by about 25%. Furthermore, effective public health education campaigns have led to a significant reduction in tobacco use. These efforts have extended the survival period for cancer patients, leading to more people living with and surviving cancer. However, pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge.

According to a report from Fortune Business Insights, the global pancreatic cancer treatment market is projected to grow from US$2.48 billion in 2022 to US$6.85 billion by 2029. This illustrates a staggering CAGR of 15.7%, signaling a promising investment opportunity and improved survival rates for patients.

With a chilling five-year survival rate of 12%, pancreatic cancer stands as the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The lack of early detection tests and limited effective treatment options highlights the urgent need for more research, awareness, and funding.

PanCAN's vision is to create a world where all patients with pancreatic cancer can thrive. They're dedicated to increasing funding for transformative research in early detection and innovative new treatment approaches. The organization provides personalized patient support and collaborates with thousands of advocates to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer. With the Biden Administration and other patient advocacy organizations by their side, PanCAN aims to increase the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer to 20% by 2030. The driving force behind this is PanCAN’s groundbreaking service, Precision Promise.

These robust efforts aren't just theoretical; they have tangible impacts. Since PanCAN's inception in 1999, the federal research investment in pancreatic cancer at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has grown from a meager $17.7 million to a substantial $182.1 million by 2018, contributing significantly to the rise in the five-year pancreatic cancer survival rate from 4% to 12%.

The Cancer Moonshot initiative launched in 2016 has been instrumental in these developments. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, it has fueled over 250 research projects and 70 programs, fostering breakthroughs in the understanding of cancer and driving improvements in patient care.

The Biden administration’s FY 2024 budget priorities further strengthen this commitment. The budget boosts the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) and provides dedicated funding for the Cancer Moonshot. Additionally, PanCAN is advocating for Congress to increase the investment in the dedicated Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense (DOD) from $15 million to $20 million.

In addition to governmental support, private philanthropy also plays a crucial role. PanCAN recently received a transformational $25 million gift to accelerate its research initiatives. The funds will advance PanCAN’s strategic initiatives like Precision Promise℠ clinical trial, Early Detection Initiative (EDI), and Therapeutic Accelerator Award. The Precision Promise study, for instance, recently expanded to include the evaluation of the developmental drug pelareorep in combination with other drugs, potentially opening a new chapter in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

With the united front of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, PanCAN, and other organizations, the fight against pancreatic cancer is in full swing. This concerted effort represents an unprecedented opportunity for investors looking to contribute to the field. Whether by investing in biotechnology firms engaged in groundbreaking research, supporting companies that develop innovative treatment options, or contributing to organizations like PanCAN, investors can play a vital role in this mission. The momentum generated in this fight against pancreatic cancer presents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while realizing financial returns. Together, we can look forward to a world where pancreatic cancer is no longer a death sentence, but a manageable and curable condition.