Oncolytics Biotech(R) Inc. Announces Publication Of Research On Synergistic Activity Of Reovirus And Chemotherapy In NSCLC

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 17 Jul 2009 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

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.

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

• Additional
• References
• Citations