Full Press Release Details
Biotech Inc. Collaborators Present Reovirus Research
Replicating Oncolytic Virus Meeting
CALGARY, AB, --- March 23,
2009 -Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY)
results of two preclinical studies that were presented at the Fifth
International Meeting on Replicating Oncolytic Virus
Therapeutics. The meeting was held in Banff, Alberta from March 18th
Hardev Pandha of the University of Surrey County Hospital, U.K., delivered a
poster presentation entitled "Combination of Oncolytic Reovirus and Rapamycin in
a B16.F10 Mouse Melanoma Model." In this study, the investigators
examined the in vitro
and in vivo oncolytic
activity of reovirus against the mouse melanoma cell line B16.F10 in combination
with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. The investigators concluded that
between rapamycin and reovirus is only seen when rapamycin is administered after
reovirus, and that simultaneous administration of rapamycin and reovirus
decreases apoptotic cell death and viral replication. However, unlike
observations, the combination of rapamycin and reovirus is synergistic in vivo. Further
sequencing is being assessed to enhance this effect.
Alan Melcher of St. James's University Hospital in Leeds, U.K., delivered an
oral presentation entitled "Immune-Mediated Anti-Tumor Activity of Reovirus is
Independent of Direct Viral Oncolysis and Replication." The
investigators concluded that the immune response is critical to reovirus tumor
therapy and is of direct translational relevance to fulfilling the potential of
this novel anti-cancer agent.
poster presentation will be available on the Oncolytics website
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic
viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics' clinical
program includes a variety of Phase I/II and Phase II human trials using
REOLYSIN , its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in
combination with radiation or chemotherapy. For further information
about Oncolytics, please visit www.oncolyticsbiotech.com.
press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking
statements, including the implication of the materials presented at this meeting
with respect to REOLYSIN , the Company's expectations related to the results of
trials investigating delivery of REOLYSIN , and the Company's belief as to the
potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic, involve known and unknown risks
and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and
uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to
pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer
treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the
Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN , uncertainties related
to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the
regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. Investors
should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and
U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are
cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The
Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as
required by applicable laws.
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