Atezolizumab

Demonstrating pelareorep's synergy with modified FOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab in pancreatic cancer could expand the number of patients it may benefit Funding for the study comes from the US$5 million Therapeutic Accelerator Award from PanCAN SAN DIEGO, and CALGARY, AB, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapeutics for oncology, announced the dosing of the first patient in the new GOBLET study cohort evaluating pelareorep and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) with or without atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) in newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. The co-primary endpoints of the cohort are objective response rate (ORR) and safety. It is supported by the US$5M Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Therapeutic Accelerator Award, an innovative program established to accelerate the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer patients. It will be conducted in collaboration with AIO-Studien-gGmbH (AIO), a clinical trial group within the German Cancer Society, as part of GOBLET, a Phase 1/2 multiple indication study evaluating pelareorep-based combinations in gastrointestinal cancers. "Initiation of dosing in the mFOLFIRINOX cohort of the GOBLET study is an important milestone for Oncolytics, and we're excited to begin evaluating another pelareorep combination therapy that could result in a second pancreatic cancer registration program for the company," said Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oncolytics. "The combination of pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic cancer patients more than doubled tumor response rates compared to earlier trials of chemotherapy alone. That combination received Fast Track Designation from the FDA and is expected to be evaluated in an adaptive registration-enabling trial through the Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR). If the combination of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX also demonstrates a promising efficacy signal, we could have two pancreatic cancer treatment regimens on the path to registration. I want to highlight PanCAN's important support for this program with gratitude. The US$5M Therapeutic Accelerator Award has made it possible for us to broaden our evaluation of potential therapies that have the potential to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients." Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at PanCAN said, "Working toward our vision to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive, PanCAN launched the Therapeutic Accelerator Award to speed the drug development process and bring new options to patients faster. Dosing the first patient in this new cohort of the GOBLET study is an important step toward further evaluation of this investigational immunotherapeutic approach." Dirk Arnold, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg and primary investigator of the GOBLET trial commented, "I have been pleased to observe the strength of the clinical response data for pelareorep in multiple cohorts of the GOBLET gastrointestinal study, especially in pancreatic and anal cancer. mFOLFIRINOX is currently considered the best treatment option for many pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, the evaluation of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX, with or without atezolizumab, presents an important opportunity to identify a novel therapeutic approach that may broaden the population of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients who could benefit from pelareorep-based therapies." "Oncolytics is in a favorable position as we prepare to advance multiple pelareorep programs toward registration track studies and continue to expand pelareorep's potential as a backbone immunotherapy that can impact various tumor types. The collaboration with GCAR on a registration-enabling study for the combination of pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic cancer, meeting with the FDA to align on next steps for our breast cancer program, expanded enrollment in the GOBLET anal cancer cohort, and now the initiation of dosing in the mFOLFIRINOX cohort of GOBLET, announced today, are all important elements of our corporate plan," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "The ability to improve the lives of cancer patients is something that motivates everyone at Oncolytics, and beginning to treat pancreatic cancer patients in the mFOLFIRINOX cohort of GOBLET is hopefully yet another step towards that goal." About GOBLET cohort 5 The mFOLFIRINOX cohort of the Phase 1/2 GOBLET study is designed to evaluate newly diagnosed PDAC patients treated with pelareorep + mFOLFIRINOX with or without atezolizumab. There will be a three-patient safety run-in to evaluate the tolerability of each treatment arm: pelareorep + mFOLFIRINOX + atezolizumab and pelareorep + mFOLFIRINOX. A total of fifteen evaluable patients will be randomized to each arm in Stage 1 of this Simon two-stage study. The co-primary endpoints are objective response rate and safety. If Stage 1 success criteria are met, one or both treatment arms may be expanded to Stage 2 in which 17 additional evaluable patients per arm will be enrolled. Blood and tumor samples will also be collected for translational evaluations. About GOBLET The GOBLET ( Gastrointestinal tum Ors exploring the treatment com Binations with the oncolytic reovirus pe Lar Eorep and an Ti-PD-L1) study is a phase 1/2 multiple indication study in advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The study is being conducted at 17 centers in Germany and is being managed by AIO-Studien-gGmbH. The co-primary endpoints of the study are objective response rate (ORR) and/or disease control rate assessed at week 16 and safety. Key secondary and exploratory endpoints include additional efficacy assessments and evaluation of potential biomarkers. The study comprises five treatment groups: Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in 1st line advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer patients; Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab in 1st line MSI (microsatellite instability)-high metastatic colorectal cancer patients; Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab and TAS-102 in 3rd line metastatic colorectal cancer patients Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab in 2nd line advanced and unresectable anal cancer patients; and Pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX with and without atezolizumab in newly diagnosed metastatic PDAC patients. Any cohort meeting pre-specified efficacy criteria in Stage 1 may be advanced to Stage 2 and enroll additional patients. About AIO AIO-Studien-gGmbH (AIO) emerged from the study center of the medical oncology working group within the German Cancer Society (DKG). AIO operates with a non-profit purpose of promoting science and research with a focus on medical oncology. Since its foundation, AIO has become a successful sponsor and study management company and has established itself both nationally and internationally. 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 and hematological 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 further information, 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 Oncolytics' belief as to the potential, mechanism of action and benefits of pelareorep as a cancer therapeutic; the design, intent and potential benefits of the mFOLFIRINOX cohort of the GOBLET study; our belief that if the combination of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX also demonstrates a promising efficacy signal, the Company could have two pancreatic cancer treatment regimens on the path to registration; our corporate plan; the potential for expansion to Stage 2 if Stage 1 success criteria are met; our plans to advance towards registrational 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. In particular, we may be impacted by business interruptions resulting from COVID-19 coronavirus, including operating, manufacturing supply chain, clinical trial and project development delays and disruptions, labour shortages, travel and shipping disruption, and shutdowns (including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures). We may incur expenses or delays relating to such 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. SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech® Inc.

USA News Group Commentary Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group – This year's 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has now come and gone, but not without increasing hope for cancer patients around the world. This year's ASCO 2024 theme was 'The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From comfort to cure,' with attendees hearing presentations from experts and receiving a wide range of important clinical results for the first time. According to analysts at Spherical Insights, the Global Oncology Drugs Market is projected to be worth $564.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.5%. Because a new drug typically might take 10-15 years to complete all 3 phases of clinical trials, the developments of today directly impact the results of tomorrow. This is why retail investors are wise to pay attention to the milestones and data shared by this year's ASCO attendees, which included O ncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY). Updating the audience for its flagship novel immunotherapy, pelareorep, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) presented two abstracts demonstrating further potential for the intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent in pancreatic cancer and its immunotherapeutic mechanism of action across multiple cancer indications. Oncolytics' first abstract presented was for a trial-in-progress of cohort 5 of the company's GOBLET study, evaluating the effectiveness of combining pelareorep and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) with and without Roche's atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) in newly diagnosed patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). "The first abstract outlines the design of a new GOBLET PDAC cohort that could significantly expand the potential of the company's pancreatic cancer program," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and CEO of Oncolytics. "The chemotherapy regimens of mFOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel are the two most common standards of care in metastatic pancreatic cancer. We previously reported that the combination of pelareorep, gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and atezolizumab yielded tumor response rates nearly triple historical results. Should the combination of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX produce a similarly positive outcome, an even broader range of metastatic PDAC patients may benefit from pelareorep-based therapy." Funded by a US$5 million Therapeutic Accelerator Award grant from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), Oncolytics Biotech plans to start enrolling patients this quarter following regulatory clearance received in May. The GOBLET cohort 5 abstract and poster detail a study assessing innovative treatments for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic PDAC. Utilizing a Simon two-stage design, the study aims to determine if the treatments are promising enough for further investigation. Initially, 15 patients per treatment arm will be randomly assigned to receive either pelareorep with mFOLFIRINOX or pelareorep with mFOLFIRINOX and atezolizumab. The study's primary goals include evaluating the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. Researchers will measure progression-free survival (the length of time patients live without the cancer worsening), overall survival (the total length of time patients live), and biomarkers (biological indicators of treatment response). Should the first stage yield positive results, one or both treatment groups may progress to the second stage, which will involve an additional 17 patients per arm. Throughout the study, blood and tumor samples will be collected for in-depth analysis. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the treatments impact patient outcomes and pave the way for potential future advancements in PDAC therapy. Among the big pharma contenders that presented at ASCO 2024 was AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), which took the opportunity at the meeting to showcase its robust solid tumor pipeline, with new data from its innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform. AbbVie's ADCs are designed to target unique protein biomarkers such as c-Met (MET protein) and SEZ6 (seizure-related homolog 6 protein), which are over-expressed across various tumor types. The biotech giant states that by utilizing these biomarkers as targets, ADCs are designed to deliver potent cancer cell death-inducing agents called 'payloads' to the tumor. "Building upon our strong commitment to patients and existing leadership in hematological malignancies, we are rapidly advancing a differentiated pipeline in solid tumors," said Daejin Abidoye, M.D., Vice President, Head of Solid Tumors, Oncology Development, for AbbVie. "Our ADC platform allows us to utilize selected biomarkers such as c-Met and SEZ6 to induce targeted cancer cell death by delivering potent anti-cancer agents." At the meeting, Abbvie presented positive Phase I and II trial data for three ADC therapies, Teliso-V, ABBV-400 and ABBV-706, in solid tumour patients—with Teliso-V being the company's most advanced c-Met targeted ADC in development. The LUMINOSITY study enrolled 172 patients with c-Met protein overexpression and epidermal growth factor receptor wild type, advanced/metastatic non-squamous NSCLC. The Teliso-V results showed a mean overall response rate (ORR) of 28.6%, with ORRs of 34.6% in c-Met high patients and 22.9% in c-Met intermediate patients. The therapy demonstrated a median duration of response (DOR) of 9 months in c-Met high patients and 7.2 months in c-Met intermediate patients. Another ADC gaining attention was Enhertu, developed by British multinational AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) and Japanese multinational Daiichi Sankyo. In a clinical trial, Enhertu reduced the risk of breast cancer progression by 37% compared to chemotherapy in patients who are HER2-positive, HER2-low, and HER2-ultralow. "DESTINY-Breast06 represents another potential paradigm shift in how we treat patients across the spectrum of HR-positive metastatic breast cancer," said Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, of AstraZeneca. "The results reinforce the potential for Enhertu to improve outcomes earlier in the treatment landscape and in a broader population of patients with HER2-expressing breast cancer who have never before been eligible for a HER2-directed therapy." AstraZeneca achieved multiple successes at ASCO this year. Among the highlights was the impressive performance of Tagrisso in a phase 3 lung cancer trial. The kinase inhibitor significantly reduced the risk of disease progression by 84% compared to the placebo. "Tagrisso extended progression-free survival by more than three years in this potentially curative setting, reinforcing the need to test and diagnose patients early," said Galbraith. "These practice-changing data cement the powerful impact Tagrisso can make as backbone therapy in EGFR-mutated lung cancer, especially in the lives of these patients who have historically experienced early progression following chemoradiotherapy." Another highlight at ASCO 2024 came from Pfizer Inc.'s (NYSE: PFE) phase 3 clinical trial results for Lorbrena, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2021. The five-year follow-up of patients with the ALK mutation showed that Lorbrena reduced the risk of disease progression by 81% compared to Xalkori, a recognized first-line treatment for NSCLC. Lorbrena's readout was among the most impressive at ASCO as 60% of the patients showed a five-year progression-free survival. "These results from the CROWN trial are unprecedented, as the majority of patients on LORBRENA are living beyond five years without disease progression," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer. "These results are an excellent example of Pfizer's long-standing commitment to discovering and developing scientific breakthroughs for patients, and support LORBRENA as a standard of care for the first-line treatment of people with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC." Another class of drugs that garnered attention at ASCO 2024 was KRAS inhibitors. However, the trial results from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) and Amgen each experienced challenges. Although KRAS mutations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and despite the drug being granted accelerated approval by the FDA in 2022, BMS's Krazati underperformed when looking at median progression-free survival, even though it reduced tumor progression risk by 42%. Krazati's median progression-free survival (PFS) – the period during which a patient's condition remains stable after treatment – extended beyond chemotherapy by 1.7 months in a confirmatory study. "The accelerated approval of KRAZATI from the FDA in 2022 was welcome news for patients with KRASG12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC," said Abderrahim Oukessou, M.D., Vice President, Global Program Lead, KRAZATI, Bristol Myers Squibb. "These confirmatory results further support KRAZATI as an efficacious, targeted treatment option for these patients. We look forward to further sharing these results, while also continuing to evaluate KRAZATI in other advanced KRASG12C-mutated solid tumors." Article Source: USA NEWS GROUP [email protected] (604) 265-2873 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. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). 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Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. SOURCE USA News Group