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ONCY Positive Sentiment Score: 75/100

Oncolytics Biotech® Reports Second Quarter Financial Results and Details Clinical Program Plans for Pelareorep

Key Takeaway: Oncolytics Biotech reported its second quarter financial results, highlighting significant advancements in its clinical program for pelareorep, particularly in pancreatic cancer. The company is moving towards a registration-enabling study and has engaged with regulators to finalize the approval pathway. New management aims to optimize development while limiting dilution for shareholders. Despite a reported net loss, the company remains committed to its strategic goals.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Pelareorep shows promising results in pancreatic cancer studies.
  • New management team brings valuable expertise to the company.
  • Strategic decisions are being made to limit dilution and maximize shareholder value.
  • Regulatory discussions are underway for a pivotal study in mPDAC.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • The company reported a net loss of $6,165 for the quarter.
  • There is a high unmet medical need in the pancreatic cancer indication.
  • The company plans to delist from the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Full Press Release Details

Key opinion leader event and pancreatic cancer clinical data validate decision to engage with regulators on plans for a registration-enabling study
New members of the management team bring expertise in progressing clinical programs and executing successful biotech transactions
Translational data further elucidate pelareorep's mechanism of action and ability to prime the tumor microenvironment for treatment
Commitment to limiting dilution evidenced by termination of At-the-Market and Equity Line of Credit facilities
SAN DIEGO,Aug. 8, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech®Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX: ONC) ("Oncolytics" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing pelareorep, today reported financial results and recent highlights for the second quarter of 2025. All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian currency unless otherwise noted.
"We have turned the corner from proof-of-concept studies and will be sprinting toward regulatory clarity for the remainder of the year," saidJared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "As we shore up our intellectual property, get a clear registration path for pelareorep, and allow our GOBLET data to mature, we will establish our position as the only platform immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors."
Second Quarter and Subsequent Highlights
Poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting features translational data further demonstrating pelareorep's mechanism of action. Additional analyses of the combination of pelareorep, gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and atezolizumab in first-line ("1L") metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma ("mPDAC") patients enhance the understanding of pelareorep's ability to stimulate the immune system and enable treatment regimens to be effective in a traditionally hostile tumor microenvironment (click here for the PR,click here for the poster). Pelareorep expands reovirus-specific T cells, increases cytokines and chemokines, and increases tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes ("TILs") in the blood.
New Chief Executive OfficerJared Kellyand Chief Business OfficerAndrew Aromandohired to optimize pelareorep's development path. Both are experienced biotech executives with decades of experience advising companies, advancing clinical programs, and navigating successful transactions. They were both instrumental in guiding the sale of Ambrx Biopharma to Johnson & Johnson.
Analyses of clinical data show pelareorep's ability to improve survival, and translational data confirming how the intended benefits are achieved. Recently highlighted survival data in mPDAC and breast cancer point to meaningful survival benefits for patients treated with pelareorep-based regimens compared to either control arms or historical data (click here for the PR). In 1L mPDAC, a review of landmark studies shows a historical benchmark of 9.2% two-year survival for chemotherapy regimens, in contrast to the 21.9% two-year survival rate recorded for 100 patients receiving pelareorep and chemotherapy. Translational data from multiple studies and tumor types provide evidence as to how these impressive results have been achieved (click here for the PR). In the GOBLET and AWARE-1 studies, pelareorep converted immunologically "cold" tumors to "hot" ones as a result of the upregulation of interferons, CXCL9/10/11, and PD-L1 in addition to the expansion and mobilization of TILs in the blood, which is correlated with a reduction in tumor size.
Key Opinion Leader ("KOL") webinar discussion solidifies pelareorep's opportunity in mPDAC and other gastrointestinal cancers. Presentations from KOLs and a roundtable discussion of pelareorep's clinical data in mPDAC and gastrointestinal cancers point to a potentially significant opportunity for an immunotherapeutic drug candidate that already has shown the ability to extend survival for patients (click here for the PR). Specifically, 1L mPDAC would be ideal for pelareorep as there are no immunotherapies approved for that line of treatment, multiple 1L studies have already demonstrated pelareorep's ability to improve survival in that patient population, and it is backed up by translational data showing the ability to activate the immune system and alter the tumor microenvironment so it is more amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Strategic decision to pursue registration-enabling pivotal study for pelareorep in 1L mPDAC. Discussions with regulators are underway to finalize the approval pathway for pelareorep in 1L mPDAC (click here for the PR). This includes decisions on which treatment regimens will be involved, whether to collaborate with a third party on the study, and formalizing overall survival as the primary endpoint. The prioritization of the pancreatic cancer program is based on the compelling survival and translational data from previous studies involving over 100 patients, and the particularly high unmet medical need in this indication. Pelareorep has already received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") for mPDAC. If discussions with regulators proceed as expected and the feedback is positive, start-up activities for the study are expected to commence as early as Q4 2025.
Commitment to limiting dilutive financing and maximizing shareholder value. Oncolytics intends to terminate its At-the-Market financing facility with Cantor Fitzgerald and Equity Line of Credit with Alumni Capital. The Company believes it has sufficient capital to reach critical regulatory and clinical milestones this fall and pursue strategic opportunities that demonstrate pelareorep's potential without the need for near-term dilutive financings at this time. Additionally, as separately announced, the Company has given formal notice to delist from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Once delisted from the TSX, the Company's common shares will continue to trade under the symbol "ONCY" on the Nasdaq.
Financial Highlights
Anticipated Milestones
Annual General Meeting and Conference Call Change
Management is hosting the Annual General Meeting later today at10:00 a.m. ET,August 8, 2025. Oncolytics' Chief Executive Officer,Jared Kelly, will provide a brief update after the formal portion of the meeting. To access the meeting as a guest (i.e., a non-voting shareholder):
Information on how to vote your shares by proxy and attend the meeting as a shareholder is available in the Company's most recent Management Information Circular (the "Circular") datedJune 18, 2025. The Circular is available on the Reports page of the investor relations section of the Company's website athttps://oncolyticsbiotech.com/investor-overview/filings/reports/and in Canadian and American securities filings.
Going forward, Oncolytics will continue to announce quarterly financial results via press releases and in securities filings, but will no longer host quarterly conference calls with the management team.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in multiple first-line pancreatic cancer studies, two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and early-phase studies in anal and colorectal cancer. It induces anti-cancer immune responses by converting immunologically "cold" tumors "hot" through the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
The Company is advancing pelareorep in combination with chemotherapy and/or checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic pancreatic and breast cancers, both of which have received Fast Track designation from the FDA, and other gastrointestinal tumors. Oncolytics is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to accelerate development and maximize commercial impact. For more about Oncolytics, please visit:www.oncolyticsbiotech.comor follow the Company on social media onLinkedInand on X @oncolytics.
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws (such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding Oncolytics' belief as to the potential, mechanism of action and benefits of pelareorep as a cancer therapeutic; its upcoming milestones; its belief that we will establish our position as the only platform immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors; itsplans for a potential registration-enabling pivotal study in 1L mPDAC; the anticipated potential timing of commencement of start-up activities and enrollment in a study; the focus of its discussions with the FDA in respect of the study; the anticipated trial design; its plan to delist from the Toronto Stock Exchange; its plans with respect to shareholder communications; and its plan to continue actively pursuing strategic partnerships; its goals, strategies and objectives; its belief in the clinical promise of pelareorep in mPDAC and other gastrointestinal cancers; financial projections and the sufficiency of capital to reach critical milestones and pursue strategic opportunities and its need for near-term dilutive financing. In any forward-looking statement in which Oncolytics expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectations or beliefs are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement or expectation or belief will be achieved. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to, regulatory outcomes, trial execution, financial resources, access to capital markets, and market dynamics. Please refer to Oncolytics' public filings with securities regulators inthe United StatesandCanadafor more information. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Company ContactJon PattonDirector of IR & Communication[email protected]
Investor Relations for OncolyticsMike MoyerLifeSci Advisors+1-617-308-4306[email protected]
Media Contact for OncolyticsOwen BlaschakLifeSci Communications[email protected]
SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech® Inc.
ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION(unaudited)(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share amounts)
As at June 30,2025 December 31,2024
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $              14,626 $              15,942
Other receivables 72 68
Prepaid expenses 3,174 1,885
Warrant derivative 1,024 980
Total current assets 18,896 18,875
Property and equipment 351 411
Right-of-use assets 727 901
Total assets $              19,974 $              20,187
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $                 5,285 $                 4,792
Other liabilities 982 1,618
Lease liabilities 291 277
Total current liabilities 6,558 6,687
Contract liability 6,730 6,730
Lease liabilities 597 787
Total liabilities 13,885 14,204
Commitments
Shareholders' equity
Share capitalAuthorized: unlimitedIssued: June 30, 2025 – 97,407,903December 31, 2024 – 80,020,131 451,142 438,193
Contributed surplus 44,792 44,542
Accumulated other comprehensive income 720 961
Accumulated deficit (490,565) (477,713)
Total shareholders' equity 6,089 5,983
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $              19,974 $              20,187
ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(unaudited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share amounts)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Expenses
Research and development $              2,809 $              4,558 $              6,892 $            10,301
General and administrative 2,897 3,362 5,813 6,345
Loss before the following (5,706) (7,920) (12,705) (16,646)
Change in fair value of warrant derivative (196) 235 44 1,104
Foreign exchange (loss) gain (282) 184 (333) 701
Interest income, net 104 340 227 786
Loss before income taxes (6,080) (7,161) (12,767) (14,055)
Income tax expense (85) (95) (85) (95)
Net loss (6,165) (7,256) (12,852) (14,150)
Other comprehensive (loss) income items that may be reclassified to net loss
Translation adjustment (238) 52 (241) 178
Comprehensive loss $            (6,403) $            (7,204) $          (13,093) $          (13,972)
Basic and diluted loss per common share $              (0.07) $              (0.10) $              (0.15) $              (0.19)
Weighted average number of shares (basic and diluted) 90,999,586 76,090,406 87,833,107 75,667,521
ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
Share Capital ContributedSurplus AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome AccumulatedDeficit Total
As at December 31, 2023 $           430,906 $             42,116 $                     544 $         (446,003) $             27,563
Net loss and other comprehensive income 178 (14,150) (13,972)
Issued pursuant to incentive share award plan 3 (3)
Issued pursuant to "At the Market" Agreement 3,840 3,840
Share issue costs (202) (202)
Share-based compensation expense 1,082 1,082
As at June 30, 2024 $           434,547 $             43,195 $                     722 $         (460,153) $             18,311
As at December 31, 2024 $           438,193 $             44,542 $                     961 $         (477,713) $                5,983
Net loss and other comprehensive loss (241) (12,852) (13,093)
Issued pursuant to incentive share award plan 1,481 (1,481)
Issued pursuant to "At the Market" Agreement 8,714 8,714
Issued pursuant to share purchase agreement 3,841 3,841
Share issue costs (1,087) (1,087)
Share-based compensation expense 1,731 1,731
As at June 30, 2025 $           451,142 $             44,792 $                     720 $         (490,565) $                6,089
ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(unaudited)(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025 2024
Operating Activities
Net loss for the period $               (12,852) $              (14,150)
Depreciation - property and equipment 51 56
Depreciation - right-of-use-assets 140 165
Share-based compensation expense 1,731 1,082
Interest expense on lease liabilities 74 57
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 1 (576)
Change in fair value of warrant derivative (44) (1,104)
Net change in non-cash working capital (1,070) 182
Cash used in operating activities (11,969) (14,288)
Investing Activities
Acquisition of property and equipment (201)
Cash used in investing activities (201)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from "At the Market" equity distribution agreement, net 8,386 3,638
Proceeds from share purchase agreement, net 3,082
Payment of lease liabilities (205) (168)
Cash provided by financing activities 11,263 3,470
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (706) (11,019)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 15,942 34,912
Impact of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents (610) 957
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $                 14,626 $                24,850

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recent highlights for Oncolytics Biotech?

Oncolytics Biotech reported advancements in pelareorep's clinical program and engaged regulators for a pivotal study.

What is pelareorep's significance in pancreatic cancer?

Pelareorep has shown promising survival benefits in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer patients.

Who are the new executives at Oncolytics Biotech?

Jared Kelly and Andrew Aromando have joined as CEO and CBO, respectively, to enhance pelareorep's development.

What financial challenges did Oncolytics report?

The company reported a net loss of $6,165 for the quarter and plans to limit dilutive financing.

What is the company's plan regarding the Toronto Stock Exchange?

Oncolytics intends to delist from the Toronto Stock Exchange while continuing to trade on Nasdaq.

Last updated: Aug 8, 2025