Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Announces Publication of Research on Synergistic Activity of Reovirus and Chemotherapy in NSCLC
CALGARY, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) ('Oncolytics') reported today that Dr. Shizuko Sei et al. published the results of their work examining reovirus and chemotherapy against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The paper, entitled "Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Oncolytic Reovirus and Chemotherapeutic Agents in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells" appears online in the July 14, 2009 issue of Molecular Cancer.
"This important study demonstrates that
reovirus works synergistically in combination with chemotherapy,
and in some instances can overcome significant multiple drug
resistance in certain cell lines," said Dr. Brad Thompson,
President and CEO of Oncolytics. "We are currently using drug
combinations against NSCLC and head and neck cancers in two
separate U.S. Phase II studies."
The investigators examined in vitro combination
effects of reovirus alone and in combination with cisplatin,
gemcitabine or vinblastine. When reovirus was used alone, it
demonstrated significant cytolytic activity in 7 of 9 NSCLC cell
lines examined. The combinations demonstrated strong synergistic
effects on cell killing. The combination of reovirus and paclitaxel
was invariably synergistic in all cell lines tested, regardless of
their level of sensitivity to either agent.
The investigators concluded that the oncolytic
activity of reovirus can be potentiated by taxanes and other
chemotherapeutic agents, and that the reovirus-taxane combination
most effectively achieves synergy through accelerated apoptosis
triggered by prolonged mitotic arrest.
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
www.oncolyticsbiotech.com
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 implication of the materials presented in "Molecular
Cancer" 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 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.
Source: Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
CONTACT: Oncolytics Biotech Inc., Cathy Ward,
210, 1167 Kensington Cr
NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7, Tel: (403) 670-7377, Fax: (403) 283-0858,
cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca; The Equicom Group, Nick Hurst, 325, 300 5th Ave. SW,
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3C4, Tel: (403) 538-4845, Fax: (403) 237-6916,
nhurst@equicomgroup.com; The Investor Relations Group, Erika Moran, 11 Stone
St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10004, Tel: (212) 825-3210, Fax: (212) 825-3229,
emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com
NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7, Tel: (403) 670-7377, Fax: (403) 283-0858,
cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca; The Equicom Group, Nick Hurst, 325, 300 5th Ave. SW,
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3C4, Tel: (403) 538-4845, Fax: (403) 237-6916,
nhurst@equicomgroup.com; The Investor Relations Group, Erika Moran, 11 Stone
St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10004, Tel: (212) 825-3210, Fax: (212) 825-3229,
emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com
Posted: July 2009
