Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
("Oncolytics") (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) announced that it has made a
decision to pursue a pivotal (Phase II/III) randomized trial using the
combination of REOLYSIN(R) with paclitaxel/carboplatin in refractory
patients with head and neck cancers. The decision was made following a
review of results by the Company's Board of Directors from the Company's
ongoing U.K. Phase I and Phase II combination REOLYSIN(R) and
paclitaxel/carboplatin clinical trials. The results were presented November
1, 2008 at the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer
(iSBTc) annual meeting in San Diego, CA.
"Eight out of nine head and neck patients reported on to date from the
Phase I and Phase II studies had either a partial response or stabilization
of disease," said Dr. Brad Thompson, President and CEO of Oncolytics, "This
response rate exceeds that of the current standard of care for this patient
group, and more than warrants proceeding to a pivotal program."
Oncolytics is currently convening a group of experts in Europe and the
U.S. to design a protocol for the Phase II/III trial, which will then be
submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European
Medicines Agency (EMEA) for review. Following FDA and EMEA review,
Oncolytics expects to file for approval for this trial early in 2009.
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics 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(R), its proprietary formulation of the human
reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. For
further information about Oncolytics, please visit
oncolyticsbiotech
This 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 Company's belief as to the
potential of REOLYSIN(R) 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(R) as a cancer treatment, the tolerability of REOLYSIN(R) outside
a controlled test, the success and timely completion of clinical studies
and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize
REOLYSIN(R), uncertainties related to the research and development of
pharmaceuticals and uncertainties related to the regulatory process.
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.
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
oncolyticsbiotech