Latest news with #ThomasHeineman
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Cancer Pipeline Milestones Coming Fast as Regulators Revisit Research Priorities
Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. VANCOUVER. BC, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- As lawmakers weigh potential cuts to scientific research funding, the outlook for developing cancer cures faces growing uncertainty. The situation is further complicated by renewed regulatory scrutiny of mRNA vaccines at both federal and state levels, casting a shadow over ongoing cancer research efforts. Meanwhile, the incidence of cancers—especially gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers among younger populations—is on the rise, heightening the need for new therapeutic approaches. In response, a new generation of biotech companies is stepping forward with promising clinical milestones on the horizon, including Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB), GeoVax Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOVX), OS Therapies (NYSE-American: OSTX), and SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS). Industry forecasts suggest the global oncology drug market could climb past US$900 billion by 2034. Within that, next-generation cancer treatments —powered by advances in personalized and precision medicine—are expected to reach US$175.2 billion, according to Precedence Research, growing at a compound annual rate of 7.35%. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) just rolled out an expanded translational data review package that tightens the scientific case for pelareorep, its intravenously delivered oncolytic virus. Fresh analyses from the GOBLET gastrointestinal‑cancer study and the AWARE‑1 breast‑cancer study shows pelareorep actively replicating inside tumors, switching on interferon signaling in the immune system, and drawing tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes into the cancer microenvironment. "This robust data set, amassed from several studies in cancers that have historically resisted immunotherapeutic approaches, provides definitive validation of pelareorep's immune-mediated mechanism of action," said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. "We observed tumor biopsy-confirmed virus replication, immune cell activation, and the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells into the TME – all consistent with the durable responses observed in patients with metastatic PDAC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer who were treated with pelareorep." Investigators also recorded a clear increase in PD‑L1 expression, a checkpoint marker that helps immune cells recognize tumors, and tracked newly expanded T‑cell clones in the blood that matched those inside shrinking lesions. Together, these findings suggest pelareorep can convert "cold" tumors into "hot" ones that respond better to modern immunotherapies. "The collection of data here show that pelareorep works how a cancer immunotherapy should work," said Jared Kelly, CEO of Oncolytics. "Pelareorep is a versatile product candidate with strong platform potential to enhance immunological responses in multiple indications, including hard-to-treat cancers. Such compelling findings should be exciting to strategic partners focused on finding a platform immunotherapy in large indications with high unmet medical needs." Two GOBLET cohorts—metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) and anal cancer—remain open. Management plans to outline the next clinical milestones before the end of the third quarter. Clinical outcomes already hint at real‑world benefit. In more than 100 first‑line mPDAC patients, pelareorep‑based regimens achieved a two‑year overall‑survival rate of 21.9%, compared with the historical benchmark of 9.2%. A separate single‑arm study that paired pelareorep with chemotherapy and a checkpoint blocker produced a 62% objective response rate. No immune checkpoint therapy is approved in this cancer today, which makes the signal especially noteworthy. Progress extends to hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancer (HR+/HER2‑ mBC). Across two randomized trials, pelareorep added more than ten months of median overall survival. In BRACELET‑1, the drug nearly doubled median progression‑free survival to 12.1 months versus 6.4 months in the control arm, suggesting durable disease control. Next week, Oncolytics will host a KOL webinar on July 22 featuring leading GI and immuno-oncology experts to discuss pelareorep's data and positioning in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. Participating physicians include the GOBLET trial's primary investigator as well as global leaders in immunotherapy and clinical trial design, underscoring the growing interest in pelareorep's mechanism and outcomes. To steer these data toward value‑creating deals and late‑stage trials, Oncolytics Biotech strengthened its leadership earlier this year. The board tapped industry veteran Jared Kelly for the CEO seat and named Andrew Aromando Chief Business Officer. Both executives helped guide Ambrx Biopharma into a $2‑billion sale to Johnson & Johnson, giving them a playbook for capital‑efficient development and strategic partnering. "Pelareorep's clinical data across multiple tumors is striking and represents the potential for a true backbone immunotherapy to address many in-need indications," said Kelly. "With a renewed focus and sharpened clinical development plan, we believe we will move pelareorep forward effectively and efficiently to a place where potential partners will see the value of a de-risked immunotherapy." As CBO, Aromando is now leading global business development and helping shape the company's corporate, clinical, and regulatory strategies. The leadership tandem is expected to prioritize partnering and expansion opportunities while preserving capital efficiency—a strategy well-suited for pelareorep's growing clinical profile. "I'm thrilled to join Oncolytics at such a pivotal moment in its evolution," said Aromando. "With promising data in difficult-to-treat cancers and a compelling body of clinical evidence in over 1,100 patients, I believe the Company is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful value to patients and other stakeholders in the near term." Pelareorep currently holds FDA Fast Track designation in both mPDAC (pancreatic cancer) and HR+/HER2- mBC (breast cancer), with Orphan Drug status for pancreatic cancer in the U.S. and Europe. In other recent industry developments and happenings in the market include: Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB) recently reported that its Phase 3 FORTITUDE‑101 study found bemarituzumab plus mFOLFOX6 significantly improved overall survival over chemotherapy alone in first‑line fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b)‑positive gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. The antibody becomes the first FGFR2b inhibitor to post a statistically and clinically meaningful survival benefit, and the company plans a rapid regulatory filing in China under its Breakthrough Therapy designation. "Bemarituzumab is the first FGFR2b inhibitor to demonstrate a statistically and clinically significant overall survival benefit in a randomized Phase 3 trial for the first-line treatment of FGFR2b-positive gastric cancer," said Dr. Rafael Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "The success of the global Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 study highlights the potential of bemarituzumab to redefine the standard of care for a patient population that has faced poor outcomes with existing therapies. We are proud to have contributed meaningfully to this pivotal trial, including a substantial number of patients enrolled in China. Based on these results, and the regulatory Breakthrough Designation, we plan to move rapidly toward regulatory submission in China to bring this transformative therapy to patients as quickly as possible." GeoVax Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOVX) recently stated that the FDA's curative‑intent approval of Keytruda for head and neck cancer strengthens the rationale for its planned Phase 2 trial combining Gedeptin and pembrolizumab. "We believe Gedeptin's tumor-targeted cytotoxicity can enhance immunotherapy efficacy, particularly in the perioperative window where anti-tumor immunity can be primed," added Dr. Kelly McKee, GeoVax's Chief Medical Officer. "We are excited to embark on the next phase of Gedeptin development as we attempt to build on the important advances being made in this disease." The study, expected to launch in 2026, will give Gedeptin intratumorally before surgery to trigger local cytotoxicity, then add checkpoint inhibition to boost systemic immunity. Endpoints include pathologic response, recurrence rates, and immune biomarkers, aligning with guidance in a recent New England Journal of Medicine editorial. OS Therapies (NYSE-American: OSTX) has locked in an End‑of‑Phase 2 FDA meeting for 27 August 2025 to discuss a rolling Biologics License Application for OST‑HER2 in recurrent, lung‑metastatic osteosarcoma, while parallel regulatory consultations are set with the EMA and the UK MHRA. "We are making significant progress towards our primary objective of obtaining regulatory approval for OST-HER2 in recurrent, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma prior to the sunsetting of the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher ("PRV") program," said Paul Romness, MPH, Chairman & CEO of OS Therapies. "We strongly believe in the promise of the listeria immunotherapy platform to help prevent and treat cancer, and intend to judiciously deploy our capital to focus on the OST-HER2 approval while advancing our other clinical programs without deploying significant capital or running other clinical studies while we wait for the OST-HER2 approval and related PRV sale." The company is also advancing a Phase 1 prostate‑cancer immunotherapy, OST‑504, with full data expected later in 2025. OST‑HER2 already carries Rare Pediatric Disease, Fast Track, and Orphan Drug designations, positioning the program for a potential Priority Review Voucher and accelerated approvals in multiple markets. SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) met every primary endpoint in its Phase 2 trial of SLS009 in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia-myelodysplasia-related changes (AML MR), delivering a 44% overall response rate at the optimal 30 mg twice‑weekly dose and a median overall survival of 8.9 months—far above the 2.4 month historical benchmark. The CDK9 inhibitor also showed a 50% response rate in high‑risk ASXL1‑mutated and M4/M5 subgroups, with no dose‑limiting toxicities reported. "We are excited to report that our Phase 2 trial met all key endpoints, with clinical responses and survival outcomes that exceed targeted expectations and historical benchmarks," said Angelos Stergiou, MD, ScD h.c., President and CEO of SELLAS. "AML remains an area of urgent unmet medical need, particularly for patients with relapsed or refractory disease, where standard treatments are often ineffective and poorly tolerated. What sets SLS009 apart is its consistent efficacy across a broad range of molecular subtypes." Following FDA guidance, the company will launch an 80‑patient randomized study in newly diagnosed first‑line AML by Q1 2026 to support a potential New Drug Application. DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Oncolytics Biotech Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oncolytics Biotech® Presents Aggregated Translational Data Providing Evidence of Pelareorep's Effectiveness Across Multiple Tumor Types
Integrated biomarker analyses confirm viral replication, interferon signaling, and a surge in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes after pelareorep treatment Cross-study data show pelareorep increases PD-L1 expression and boosts cytotoxic T-cell activity, priming resistant tumors for checkpoint inhibitors Results reinforce pelareorep's ability to turn cold tumors hot, paving the way for registration-enabling trials SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, summarized its biomarker and translational data for pelareorep, the Company's systemically delivered oncolytic virus. The data support pelareorep's mechanism of action and further strengthen the unique biological rationale and therapeutic potential for pelareorep as a platform immunotherapeutic. These include its ability to replicate in cancer cells, activate immune pathways, and drive T cell expansion and tumor infiltration in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. The translational research included the analysis of blood and tumor samples from patients in the GOBLET (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other gastrointestinal cancers) and AWARE-1 (breast cancer) studies. Analyses revealed consistent immune activation signatures, including: Upregulation of interferons, CXCL9/10/11, and PD-L1 Conversion of immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot' phenotypes Expansion and mobilization of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) clones in the blood, which correlates with a reduction in tumor size Modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance responsiveness to immune therapies "This robust data set, amassed from several studies in cancers that have historically resisted immunotherapeutic approaches, provides definitive validation of pelareorep's immune-mediated mechanism of action," said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. "We observed tumor biopsy-confirmed virus replication, immune cell activation, and the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells into the TME – all consistent with the durable responses observed in patients with metastatic PDAC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer who were treated with pelareorep." "The collection of data here show that pelareorep works how a cancer immunotherapy should work," said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "Pelareorep is a versatile product candidate with strong platform potential to enhance immunological responses in multiple indications, including hard-to-treat cancers. Such compelling findings should be exciting to strategic partners focused on finding a platform immunotherapy in large indications with high unmet medical needs." The GOBLET study continues to enroll PDAC and anal carcinoma patients, and additional translational data readouts are expected next year. The Company expects these and its other clinical data to support its focused and aggressive regulatory path and serve as the biological foundation for registration-enabled studies in immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors. As regulatory conversations progress throughout the summer, the Company expects to provide an updated clinical timeline before the end of the third quarter. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 and 2 studies in pancreatic cancer. It acts by inducing anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype – turning "cold" tumors "hot" – through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Pelareorep has demonstrated synergies with multiple approved oncology treatments. Oncolytics is currently conducting and planning combination clinical trials with pelareorep in solid malignancies as it advances towards registrational studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, both of which have received Fast Track designation from the FDA. For more about Oncolytics, please visit: or follow the company on social media on LinkedIn and on X @oncolytics. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the 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; our plans, objectives and strategies; our expectation that our data supports our focused and aggressive regulatory path and serves as the biological foundation for registration-enabled studies in immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors; our plans to advance pelareorep into registration enabling studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer; and other statements related to anticipated developments in Oncolytics' business and technologies. 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. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause Oncolytics' 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 pelareorep as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, Oncolytics' ability to successfully commercialize pelareorep, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. We may incur expenses or delays relating to events outside of our control, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Investors should consult Oncolytics' 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 any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Company Contact Jon PattonDirector of IR & Communicationjpatton@ Investor Relations for OncolyticsMike MoyerLifeSci Advisors+1-617-308-4306mmoyer@ Media Contact for OncolyticsOwen BlaschakLifeSci Communicationsoblaschak@ Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Oncolytics Biotech® Presents Aggregated Translational Data Providing Evidence of Pelareorep's Effectiveness Across Multiple Tumor Types
Integrated biomarker analyses confirm viral replication, interferon signaling, and a surge in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes after pelareorep treatment Cross-study data show pelareorep increases PD-L1 expression and boosts cytotoxic T-cell activity, priming resistant tumors for checkpoint inhibitors SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- Oncolytics Biotech ® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, summarized its biomarker and translational data for pelareorep, the Company's systemically delivered oncolytic virus. The data support pelareorep's mechanism of action and further strengthen the unique biological rationale and therapeutic potential for pelareorep as a platform immunotherapeutic. These include its ability to replicate in cancer cells, activate immune pathways, and drive T cell expansion and tumor infiltration in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. The translational research included the analysis of blood and tumor samples from patients in the GOBLET (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other gastrointestinal cancers) and AWARE-1 (breast cancer) studies. Analyses revealed consistent immune activation signatures, including: Upregulation of interferons, CXCL9/10/11, and PD-L1 Conversion of immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot' phenotypes Expansion and mobilization of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) clones in the blood, which correlates with a reduction in tumor size Modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance responsiveness to immune therapies "This robust data set, amassed from several studies in cancers that have historically resisted immunotherapeutic approaches, provides definitive validation of pelareorep's immune-mediated mechanism of action," said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. "We observed tumor biopsy-confirmed virus replication, immune cell activation, and the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells into the TME – all consistent with the durable responses observed in patients with metastatic PDAC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer who were treated with pelareorep." "The collection of data here show that pelareorep works how a cancer immunotherapy should work," said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "Pelareorep is a versatile product candidate with strong platform potential to enhance immunological responses in multiple indications, including hard-to-treat cancers. Such compelling findings should be exciting to strategic partners focused on finding a platform immunotherapy in large indications with high unmet medical needs." The GOBLET study continues to enroll PDAC and anal carcinoma patients, and additional translational data readouts are expected next year. The Company expects these and its other clinical data to support its focused and aggressive regulatory path and serve as the biological foundation for registration-enabled studies in immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors. As regulatory conversations progress throughout the summer, the Company expects to provide an updated clinical timeline before the end of the third quarter. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 and 2 studies in pancreatic cancer. It acts by inducing anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype – turning "cold" tumors "hot" – through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Pelareorep has demonstrated synergies with multiple approved oncology treatments. Oncolytics is currently conducting and planning combination clinical trials with pelareorep in solid malignancies as it advances towards registrational studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, both of which have received Fast Track designation from the FDA. For more about Oncolytics, please visit: or follow the company on social media on LinkedIn and on X @ oncolytics. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the 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; our plans, objectives and strategies; our expectation that our data supports our focused and aggressive regulatory path and serves as the biological foundation for registration-enabled studies in immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors; our plans to advance pelareorep into registration enabling studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer; and other statements related to anticipated developments in Oncolytics' business and technologies. 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. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause Oncolytics' 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 pelareorep as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, Oncolytics' ability to successfully commercialize pelareorep, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. We may incur expenses or delays relating to events outside of our control, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Investors should consult Oncolytics' 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 any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Company Contact Jon Patton Director of IR & Communication [email protected] Investor Relations for Oncolytics Mike Moyer LifeSci Advisors +1-617-308-4306 [email protected]
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Oncolytics Biotech® Highlights Transformative Pelareorep Survival Data in Multiple Tumors and Commitment to Registration-Enabling Studies
Comparison with multiple landmark first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma studies substantiates strong two-year survival benefit of 21.9% vs. 9.2% historical benchmark Consistent survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in randomized studies in the large HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication Data from over 1,100 patients across tumor types reveals a favorable, well-understood safety profile SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ -- Oncolytics Biotech ® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced a strategic update highlighting its compelling clinical data from two tumor types and outlining a sharpened focus on advancing pelareorep, the Company's intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, into registration-enabling studies. "We are no longer in the business of funding proof-of-concept studies," said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "We have meaningful clinical data in hand—not just signals. The survival benefit across multiple tumor types demands a focused approach to take pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials. We will use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology." Results from two completed first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) trials demonstrate a strong and consistent efficacy signal showing extremely rare 2-year overall survival rates of 21.9% vs. 9.2% based on pooled data from over 100 patients across two studies evaluating pelareorep combined with a chemotherapy backbone. In addition, a best-in-class 62% objective response rate (ORR) was observed in a single-arm study of pelareorep in combination with a chemotherapy backbone and a checkpoint inhibitor in 13 evaluable patients. These results collectively represent promising efficacy for a therapeutic regimen that includes an immunotherapy in this difficult-to-treat cancer. Currently, there are no approved immunotherapies for first-line treatment of mPDAC. Pelareorep's clinical activity in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer – a large indication with continued significant unmet medical need and no currently approved immunotherapies – has been demonstrated in two randomized phase 2 studies, both of which showed a median overall survival (mOS) benefit of greater than 10 months compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (IND.213 mOS: 21.0 vs. 10.8 months; BRACELET-1 mOS: not statistically reached; conservative estimate = 32.1 months vs. 18.2 months). In the randomized, controlled BRACELET-1 study, pelareorep combined with paclitaxel yielded a 12.1-month median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to 6.4 months in the paclitaxel alone control arm. "Pelareorep represents a tipping point for immunotherapy in cold tumors," said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. "It is delivering consistent immunologic and clinical responses in multiple tumor types. Most impressively, pelareorep activates the immune system to produce clinical benefits in cancers that are typically unresponsive to immunotherapies like mPDAC and unresectable HR+/HER2- breast cancer, creating new oncology entry points for immune-based combination therapies." Data from more than 1,100 patients enrolled in multiple studies across several tumor types affirm that pelareorep has a favorable, well-understood safety profile. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) are "flu-like" symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, myalgia, cough, anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, and rarely resulted in clinically significant grade ≥3 TRAEs. Adverse events are typically transient and manageable with over-the-counter medications. Pelareorep received Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for metastatic breast cancer and in 2022 for mPDAC in combination with chemotherapy and atezolizumab. In 2015, pelareorep also received Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Company released a new corporate presentation, available on its website, that provides detailed clinical and translational data. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 and 2 studies in pancreatic cancer. It acts by inducing anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype – turning "cold" tumors "hot" – through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Pelareorep has demonstrated synergies with multiple approved oncology treatments. Oncolytics is currently conducting and planning combination clinical trials with pelareorep in solid malignancies as it advances towards registrational studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, both of which have received Fast Track designation from the FDA. For more about Oncolytics, please visit: or follow the company on social media on LinkedIn and on X @ oncolytics. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the 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; our plans, objectives and strategies; our focus on advancing pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials; our plans to use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology; and other statements related to anticipated developments in Oncolytics' business and technologies. 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. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause Oncolytics' 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 pelareorep as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, Oncolytics' ability to successfully commercialize pelareorep, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. We may incur expenses or delays relating to events outside of our control, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Investors should consult Oncolytics' 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 any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Company Contact Jon Patton Director of IR & Communication [email protected] Investor Relations for Oncolytics Mike Moyer LifeSci Advisors +1-617-308-4306 [email protected]
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Data and Deal Flow Signal a Turning Point for Precision-Driven Cancer Biotechs
Equity Insider News Commentary Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary – With early onset cancer rates on the rise and funding being cut to NIH, the future for cancer patients is increasingly being shaped not by public institutions, but by the breakthroughs emerging from the private sector. For investors watching the next wave of oncology breakthroughs, companies like Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKYA), Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX), TScan Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCRX), and Arcellx, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLX) are increasingly standing out. Cancer treatment markets are on track for massive expansion over the next decade. Immunotherapy, in particular, is expected to reach an annual market size of US$1.2 trillion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 18%, according to analysts at Precedence Research. Meanwhile, global oncology spending overall is projected by Vision Research Reports to surpass US$900 billion, climbing at an estimated 11% per year. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) is gaining new visibility ahead of its upcoming presentation at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, where the company will unveil new clinical trial data on pelareorep's immunological activity in pancreatic cancer. The data, drawn from the GOBLET study, highlights how pelareorep appears to convert immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot,' inflamed environments—potentially making them more vulnerable to immune attack. Specifically, new analyses show pelareorep induces a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) and activates both innate and adaptive immunity. This is a rare achievement in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer type widely considered resistant to immune-based therapies. 'For the first time, we're able to map the cascade of immune responses stimulated by pelareorep,' said Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer for Oncolytics. 'It starts with the expansion of anti-reovirus T cells, followed by the upregulation of chemokines that mediate the expansion of pre-existing TIL (tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte) clones in the blood.' According to Heineman, these immune cells don't just expand in the bloodstream—they're believed to return to the tumor itself and help shrink it. 'These T cells can now return to the tumor and attack it, resulting in a reduction in tumor size,' Heineman added. 'Pelareorep-mediated upregulation of chemokines also makes the tumor microenvironment immunologically active and able to actively recruit cancer-specific T cells to the tumor. These findings deepen our understanding of pelareorep's ability to convert immunologically cold tumors into immunologically active ones that may benefit from pelareorep-based combination therapy.' The abstract, titled 'Role of pelareorep in activating anti-tumor immunity in PDAC,' (Abstract #2562) will be presented as a poster during the Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy session on June 2, 2025. A copy will be made available on the Media page of Oncolytics' website following the session. This new mechanistic insight builds on prior efficacy data from GOBLET Cohort 1, where pelareorep—combined with nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and the checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab—produced a 62% overall response rate, 85% disease control rate, and 45% 12-month survival rate in first-line metastatic PDAC patients. For context, GOBLET is a multi-cohort, phase 1/2 study evaluating pelareorep in combination with various immunotherapy and chemotherapy regimens across gastrointestinal cancers. Conducted in partnership with AIO-Studien-gGmbH in Germany, the trial uses an adaptive design: cohorts meeting efficacy thresholds may expand enrollment. In pancreatic cancer, this trial is a proving ground for pelareorep's use in first-line and newly diagnosed settings—potentially setting up future pivotal decisions. Progress continues elsewhere in the GOBLET study as well. In Cohort 5, newly diagnosed metastatic PDAC patients received pelareorep with modified FOLFIRINOX, with or without atezolizumab. After completing the safety run-in in six evaluable patients, the study has been cleared to proceed by both Germany's Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and an independent data safety monitoring board. This arm is backed by a US$5 million PanCAN grant, with further data expected in 2026. Favorable data from this cohort could expand pelareorep's potential addressable market in this indication. Meanwhile, in anal cancer, Cohort 4 has already reported signs of durable response. Of 12 evaluable patients treated with pelareorep and atezolizumab, four achieved partial responses, and one reached a complete response lasting more than 15 months—results that surpass historical benchmarks for checkpoint inhibitors alone. The cohort is now being expanded to validate these findings and assess registrational potential. In breast cancer, the recently completed randomized phase 2 BRACELET-1 trial in HR+/HER2- metastatic disease showed patients receiving pelareorep plus paclitaxel nearly doubled their progression-free survival compared to paclitaxel alone. These outcomes are supportive of those seen in a prior randomized phase 2 study and strengthen the case for a pivotal trial. Key opinion leaders continue backing pelareorep's approach. In a recent panel hosted by H.C. Wainwright, Profs. Martine Piccart and Alexander Eggermont emphasized how pelareorep may help 'turn cold tumors hot"—a key requirement for making immunotherapies effective in traditionally resistant cancers. While still in the clinical development stage, pelareorep has demonstrated compatibility with multiple chemotherapies and checkpoint inhibitors, suggesting it could function as a plug-in immune booster across diverse treatment regimens. Its intravenous delivery, systemic impact, and favorable safety profile further support its adaptability in combination trials. 'Pelareorep continues to build clinical momentum, delivering encouraging results in challenging cancer types and has the potential to extend and improve the lives of patients,' said Wayne Pisano, Chair of Oncolytics' Board of Directors and Interim CEO. 'This versatility and broad potential applicability are achieved via intravenous administration and the ability to combine with chemotherapies and checkpoint inhibitors while maintaining a favorable safety profile.' As it stands, Oncolytics may be entering a stretch where scientific validation, clinical optionality, and capital flexibility are all converging. The company ended Q1 2025 with $15.3 million in cash and a US$20 million equity facility from Alumni Capital, giving it financing control without restrictive terms or dilutive warrants. With fresh data coming out of ASCO and multiple arms of GOBLET advancing, pelareorep's immune-activating potential appears to be gaining traction across an expanding range of solid tumor indications. Infographic - CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Oncolytics Biotech at: In other recent industry developments and happenings in the market include: Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKYA) recently reported Q1 2025 revenue of $16.6 million, with a 12% year-over-year increase in installed instruments and a 44.7% rise in total publications. Gross margin improved to 59.3%, and operating losses narrowed 38% compared to the same quarter last year. The company highlighted major cancer collaborations in the U.S. and Singapore, along with a new ADC breast cancer assay unveiled at AACR. This comes just two weeks after Akoya and Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX) announced amended terms to their merger agreement, reducing share issuance by over 9 million while preserving a $20 million cash component. The merger brings together two complementary platforms—spatial phenotyping and ultra-sensitive biomarker detection—aimed at accelerating next-generation precision diagnostics across oncology and immunology. 'We remain excited to combine with Quanterix and believe this partnership offers compelling value for Akoya shareholders,' said Brian McKelligon, CEO of Akoya Biosciences. 'We look forward to closing the transaction and leveraging our collective scale to drive synergies across our organizations and customers, expediting our path to profitability.' Akoya shareholders are now set to receive $0.38 per share in cash and 0.1461 shares of Quanterix common stock. 'The strategic merits of the transaction remain strong even as the market has been focused on academic funding and tariff concerns,' said Masoud Toloue, PhD, CEO of Quanterix. 'The combined company will provide a significant value creation opportunity for shareholders.' The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2025, positioning the combined company as a scaled leader in spatial biology and ultra-sensitive biomarker detection. TScan Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCRX) posted Q1 2025 revenue of $2.2 million, driven by collaboration activity with Amgen, and ended the quarter with $251.7 million in cash and marketable securities. 'This is an exciting year for TScan as we advance our mission of bringing life-changing T-cell therapies to patients with both heme and solid tumor malignancies,' said Gavin MacBeath, Ph.D., CEO of TScan Therapeutics. 'We look forward to dosing our first patient with multiplex therapy soon, and to sharing safety and efficacy data later this year.' Net loss for the quarter was $34.1 million, with R&D spending up due to manufacturing scale-up and preclinical work. The company is actively enrolling patients in two ongoing Phase 1 studies: ALLOHA in heme malignancies and PLEXI-T in solid tumors. Key milestones this year include a planned IND submission, a registrational trial initiation, and clinical data readouts from both trials. Arcellx, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLX) recently reported new data from its Phase 2 iMMagine-1 study showing a 97% overall response rate and 68% complete/stringent complete response rate in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients. No delayed neurotoxicities or immune-mediated enterocolitis have been observed to date, with safety and durability metrics continuing to impress at 12.6 months median follow-up. 'These clinical data from our registrational study continue to support our belief that anito-cel has the potential to address the needs of myeloma patients and the physicians who serve them,' said Rami Elghandour, CEO of Arcellx. 'There is no cure for multiple myeloma. We believe there remains an unmet medical need for CAR-T therapies that are efficacious, safe, and accessible.' The data will be presented in an oral session at EHA2025, ahead of a planned commercial launch in 2026 with partner Kite, a Gilead company. 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