Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Announces Filing Of Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial With REOLYSIN

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 07 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Oncolytics Biotech Inc. ("Oncolytics") (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) announced that the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) has filed a protocol with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with metastatic ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancers using concurrent systemic and intraperitoneal administration of REOLYSIN®, Oncolytics' proprietary formulation of the human reovirus. The NCI is sponsoring the trial under its Clinical Trials Agreement with Oncolytics, while Oncolytics will provide clinical supplies of REOLYSIN®.

The trial, which is being carried out at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, is expected to enroll up to 70 patients with metastatic ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancers.

These cancer indications were selected after comprehensive preclinical studies carried out by the NCI indicated the reovirus can kill ovarian cancer cells.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2007, and more than 15,000 will die from it.

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 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

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 expectations related to the U.S. NCI Phase I/II systemic and intraperitoneal administration clinical trial for patients with metastatic ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancers, 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 tolerability of REOLYSIN® outside a controlled test, 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.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc.