CALGARY,
Aug. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Oncolytics
Biotech® Inc. ("Oncolytics") (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY)
today announced that enrollment has been completed in a randomized
Phase II study of REOLYSIN® in patients with
previously treated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung
cancer ("NSCLC") (IND 211). The trial is being sponsored and
conducted by the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) at
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.
"Non-small cell lung cancer continues to present
a significant health risk for patients," said Dr. Brad Thompson, President and CEO of Oncolytics.
"We would like to thank our colleagues at the NCIC CTG for
completing enrolment in this study."
The study is an open-label, randomized,
non-blinded, Phase II clinical study of REOLYSIN® as a
treatment for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
patients who have received previous chemotherapy. A total of 166
patients were enrolled. Patients with squamous cell histology were
randomized to receive either REOLYSIN® given in
combination with docetaxel (test arm) or docetaxel alone (control
arm), while patients with non-squamous cell histology were
randomized to receive either REOLYSIN® given in
combination with pemetrexed (test arm) or pemetrexed alone (control
arm).
The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate
the effect of REOLYSIN® in combination with standard
salvage chemotherapy on the progression free survival of patients
with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The
secondary objectives are to determine the tolerability and toxicity
of the therapeutic combination; to investigate additional potential
measures of efficacy, including progression rates at three months,
objective response rate and overall survival; and to explore
potential molecular factors predictive of response.
Although accrual is complete, patient follow-up
will continue until planned analyses have been conducted.
About NSCLC
The Canadian Cancer Society
estimates that 26,600 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer
and that 20,900 Canadians are expected to die from the disease in
2015. The American Cancer Society estimates that 221,200 new
cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and that 158,040 Americans
are expected to die from the disease in 2015. Approximately 80% of
all lung cancer cases are of the non-small cell type.
About the NCIC Clinical Trials
Group at Queen's University
The NCIC Clinical Trials
Group (NCIC CTG) is a cancer clinical trials cooperative group
that conducts Phase I-III trials testing anti-cancer and supportive
therapies across Canada and internationally. It is a
national research program of the Canadian Cancer Society. The
NCIC CTG's Central Operations and Statistics Office is located at
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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 later-stage, randomized human trials in various indications
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 the U.S. Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian
securities laws. Statements, other than statements of historical
facts, included in this press release that address activities,
events or developments that Oncolytics expects or anticipates will
or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's
expectations related to Phase II NSCLC trial sponsored by the NCIC
CTG, the Company's belief as to the potential of
REOLYSIN® as a cancer therapeutic, and
other such matters are forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information and 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 and
forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include,
among others, risks related to the statistical sufficiency of
patient enrollment numbers in separate patient groups, 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 and
forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned against
placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to
update these forward-looking statements and forward-looking
information, except as required by applicable laws.
SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc.