Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2011 Results

CALGARY, AB, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX:ONC) (NASDAQ:ONCY) ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") today announced its financial results and operational highlights for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

"We continue to build upon and progress through our research and development in an effort to maximize the future commercial potential of REOLYSIN^®. In Q2, we focused our efforts on expanding our Phase III clinical trial in head and neck cancer, and expanding our clinical trial program by announcing a U.S. National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trial in multiple myeloma," said Dr. Brad Thompson, President and CEO of Oncolytics. "We also received positive data from early stage studies in metastatic colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer studies, and secured a leading manufacturer for the clinical and commercial supply of REOLYSIN^®, both significant steps forward in our plans to expand our development program."

Selected Highlights

Since April 1, 2011 the Company has announced:

Clinical Trial Results

• Interim data from a U.K. translational clinical trial (REO 013) investigating intravenous administration of REOLYSIN in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer prior to surgical resection of liver metastases. On initial histological analysis of the 10 treated patients, there was evidence of selective delivery of virus to tumour versus normal liver and viral replication in the majority (seven) of patients;
• A presentation covering interim preliminary results from a Phase 2 clinical trial using intravenous administration of REOLYSIN in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Kras or EGFR-activated tumours at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer World Conference on Lung Cancer. Response evaluation as of the date of presentation in 21 patients showed six partial responses (PR) (28.6%), 13 stable disease (SD) (61.9%), and two progressive disease (PD) (9.5%), translating into a clinical benefit rate (complete response (CR)+PR+SD) of 90.5% and a response rate (CR+PR) of 28.6%;

Ongoing Clinical Program

• The Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, has agreed to sponsor a Phase I study of REOLYSIN alone in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma;
• A commercial supply agreement with SAFC, a Division of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, for the commercial manufacture of REOLYSIN. Under the terms of the agreement, SAFC will perform process validation of the product, will continue to supply clinical requirements and will supply commercial material upon approval of the product; and

Corporate

• The appointment of George M. Gill, MD as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Gill has been Senior Vice President of Clinical Safety and Regulatory Affairs and an officer of Oncolytics since 2002.

To view the Company's Second Quarter 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements, related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and Management's Discussion and Analysis, please see the Company's quarterly filings which will be available on www.sedar.com and on www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. 

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 human trials including a Phase 3 trial in head and neck cancers using REOLYSIN, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus. 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 belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic; the Company's expectations as to the success of its research and development programs in 2011 and beyond, the Company's planned operations, the value of the additional patents and intellectual property; the Company's expectations related to the applications of the patented technology; the Company's expectations as to adequacy of its existing capital resources; the design, timing, success of planned clinical trial programs; and other statements related to anticipated developments in the Company's business and technologies 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, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment.  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.