Anal canal squamous cell carcinoma

Pelareorep advancing to a registration-enabling study in 2024 in pancreatic cancer and expands pancreatic potential with new GOBLET cohort in combination with mFOLFIRINOX Impressive objective response rate in GOBLET study anal carcinoma cohort supports enrollment expansion Expecting to report overall survival data from BRACELET-1 breast cancer study in 2024 Cash position of $34.9 million provides runway through critical milestones into 2025 Management hosting conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics company focused on oncology, today announced recent operational highlights and financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian currency unless otherwise noted. "Positive 2023 data further de-risked pelareorep and re-defined Oncolytics as a late-stage cancer company. Data from the randomized BRACELET-1 breast cancer trial in HR+/HER2- metastatic patients, reported in June using a March 3, 2023 cut-off date, nearly tripled response rates in the test arm compared to the control arm. Additionally, median progression-free survival was 50% higher in the test arm, and the hazard ratio was 0.29. In the coming months, we expect to report overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 study and define a registrational path that will focus on patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- disease and utilize a pelareorep/paclitaxel combination. Productive, ongoing discussions with our clinical collaborators and potential strategic partners have sharpened and enriched our thinking on the design of this study," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "Our gastrointestinal-focused GOBLET Phase 1/2 study showed that pelareorep combinations provided clinically impactful improvements in objective response rates compared to historical controls, especially in the pancreatic and anal cancer cohorts, and with no toxicity concerns. With these results in hand, we have expanded enrollment in the anal cancer cohort, and, in pancreatic cancer, we intend to initiate an adaptive trial in first-line patients this year. This registration-enabled study will be a landmark achievement for Oncolytics and evaluate the GOBLET pancreatic cohort treatment regimen that was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. Additionally, the planned PanCAN-supported trial utilizing a modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX)-pelareorep combination could expand our pancreatic cancer program to include both of the most widely used treatment backbones, which may result in broad adoption of pelareorep as a therapeutic solution in this indication. New translational data in breast and pancreatic cancer reported in the fourth quarter continued to highlight pelareorep's role in stimulating tumor-directed immune responses and shaping the tumor microenvironment, affirming its immunotherapeutic mechanism of action (MOA). These studies also point to the potential use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or TILs, as a clinical biomarker for future studies and patient care based on a positive association with tumor responses. We are optimistic about the potential for pelareorep to provide improved outcomes for cancer patients and look forward to updating investors and our key stakeholders on our registrational readiness and progress as the year unfolds," concluded Dr. Coffey. Fourth Quarter and Subsequent Highlights Expansion of enrollment in the GOBLET anal carcinoma cohort. Cohort 4 of the GOBLET study evaluates pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) in patients with second-line or later unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA). The cohort was expanded (link to the PR) based on positive preliminary data from Stage 1 of the study, presented at the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Anal Cancer Conference (IMACC), showing that the combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab provided a 37.5% objective response rate, including one patient with a long-lasting complete response, and good overall tolerability (link to the PR, link to the poster). These data represent a meaningful contrast to recent clinical trial results, which showed that second-line or later anal carcinoma patients treated with checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy experienced response rates of 10-14%1-3. With a modest expansion of fewer than 20 patients, there could be a sufficient efficacy signal to move to a registrational study. Additional positive data from the gastrointestinal cancer Phase 1/2 GOBLET study. Pancreatic and colorectal cancer data were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023. Additional data were reported from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients in cohort 1, including median progression-free survival and interim median overall survival rates that exceed historical control results (link to the PR, link to the poster). Third-line metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving pelareorep, atezolizumab, and trifluridine/tipiracil (Cohort 3) recorded a 40% disease control rate and met the pre-specified success criteria according to the Simon two-stage methodology (link to the PR, link to the poster). All three GOBLET study cohorts that have completed Stage 1 met the pre-specified success criteria. Filed amendment to initiate Phase 1/2 pancreatic cancer study with support from PanCAN. Cohort 5 of the GOBLET study will evaluate pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX with and without atezolizumab in newly diagnosed PDAC patients. Having filed the amendment to the GOBLET study, the Paul Ehrlich Institute (Germany's regulatory body) must approve this change before patient enrollment in this cohort can begin (link to the PR). The study is being supported by a US$5 million Therapeutic Accelerator Award grant from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), an innovative program established to accelerate the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Positive translational data from further analysis of the AWARE-1 breast cancer and GOBLET studies. AWARE-1 data presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 38th Annual Meeting and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) 2023 underscored pelareorep's MOA as an immunotherapeutic agent. These data showed the expansion of T cell populations in both the tumor and blood in patients treated with pelareorep. Importantly, translational data from pancreatic cancer patients reported at ESMO showed a correlation between tumor response and the expansion of TIL clones in the blood. This expansion of tumor resident T cells demonstrates that pelareorep treatment can increase the population of presumed tumor-reactive inflammatory cells and could become an informative biomarker of clinical outcomes to be used in future clinical studies and guide patient care. Addition of new Director, Pat Andrews. Pat Andrews joined the Oncolytics Board of Directors and brings experience navigating registrational trials in oncology and completing significant business development agreements. Her addition expands the strategic expertise of the Board, helping to accelerate the company's registrational plans and transformational mindset as a late-stage oncology company. Financial Highlights As of December 31, 2023, the Company reported $34.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, with a projected cash runway for at least 12 months. Net cash used in operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $28.4 million, compared to $23.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. The change reflected higher net operating activities. General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $4.2 million, compared to $3.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher investor relations activities and changes in personnel costs. Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $4.7 million, compared to $4.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower GOBLET and BRACELET-1 study costs, as well as reduced clinical and safety data management. The decrease was partly offset by higher manufacturing expenses related to the preparation and start of a production run. The net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $3.9 million, compared to a net loss of $8.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The basic and diluted loss per share was $0.05 in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.14 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 included a $4.8 million gain mainly related to the change in fair value of the warrants issued as part of our 2023 public offering. Anticipated Milestones H1 2024: Guidance on the registration path for HR+/HER2- mBC (metastatic breast cancer) H1 2024: Initiation of the Phase 1/2 PDAC trial incorporating pelareorep/mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab and supported by PanCAN 2024: Initiation of the adaptive registration-enabling trial for pelareorep in first-line metastatic PDAC H2 2024: Overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 trial Webcast and Conference Call Management will host a conference call for analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET today, March 7, 2024. To access the call, please dial (888) 664-6383 (North America) or (416) 764-8650 (International), and if needed, provide Conference ID: 6244-5815. To join the conference call without operator assistance, please click here. A live webcast of the call will also be available by clicking here or on the Investor Relations page of Oncolytics' website, available by clicking here, and will be archived for three months. A dial-in replay will be available for one week and can be accessed by dialing (888) 390-0541 (North America) or (416) 764-8677 (International) and using replay code: 445-815#. References 1. Rao S, et al. Phase II study of retifanlimab in patients (pts) with squamous carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) who progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. Annals of Oncology. 2020 September. doi: . 2. Marabelle A, et al. Pembrolizumab for previously treated advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma: results from the non-randomised, multicohort, multicentre, phase 2 KEYNOTE-158 study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 May;7(5):446-454. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00382-4. 3. Lonardi S, et al. Randomized phase II trial of avelumab alone or in combination with cetuximab for patients with previously treated, locally advanced, or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma: the CARACAS study. J Immunother Cancer. 2021 November;9(11):e002996. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002996. PMID: 34815354; PMCID: PMC8611452. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in Phase 2 studies in breast and pancreatic cancers. 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 statements regarding Oncolytics' belief as to the potential, mechanism of action and benefits of pelareorep as a cancer therapeutic; our belief that positive 2023 data further de-risked pelareorep and re-defined Oncolytics as a late-stage cancer company; our expectation that in the coming months we will report on of overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 study and define a registrational path focusing on patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- disease and utilizing a pelareorep/paclitaxel combination; our plans to initiate an adaptive trial in first-line patients this year in connection with our GOBLET study; our belief that the planned PanCAN-supported trial utilizing a modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX)-pelareorep combination could expand our pancreatic cancer program; our belief that new translational data in breast and pancreatic cancer point to the potential use of TILs, as a clinical biomarker for future studies and patient care; our belief that with a modest expansion of fewer than 20 patients, there could be a sufficient efficacy signal to move to a registrational study in anal cancer; our anticipated 2024 milestones and the timing thereof; 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). It is unknown whether and how Oncolytics may be affected if the COVID-19 pandemic persists for an extended period of time. 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. Logo - SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech® Inc.

Successful Stage 1 data showed a near tripling of Objective Response Rate compared to checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy, including a Complete Response, and supports expansion SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics company focused on oncology, today announced the expansion of enrollment for the anal cancer cohort of the GOBLET study evaluating pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) in patients with second-line or later unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA). The study was expanded based on positive data from Stage 1 of the study, presented at the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Anal Cancer Conference (IMACC) in November 2023 (link to the PR, link to the poster). "These exciting clinical data, which exceed the Simon two-stage success criteria, provide strong support to expand the evaluation of pelareorep in patients with advanced anal cancer. The results reported at IMACC 2023 showed that the combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab provided a 37.5% objective response rate, including one patient with a long-lasting complete response, and good overall tolerability. These data represent a meaningful contrast to recent clinical trial results which show that patients with second-line or later anal carcinoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy experienced response rates of 10-14%1-3," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics." "We begin the Stage 2 expansion with substantial optimism for patients and the potential of pelareorep, especially considering the initial efficacy signal observed for pelareorep-based therapy in pancreatic cancer. There is currently no established standard therapy for patients with anal carcinoma who have failed first-line treatment. Continued positive results could potentially expand the opportunity for pelareorep beyond the lead indications of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer and open the door to a rapid regulatory pathway in this rare and significantly under-served patient population," continued Dr. Coffey. Dirk Arnold, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg, and primary investigator of the GOBLET trial, commented, "One of the most difficult challenges in my practice is the limited number of treatment options that are available for patients with advanced anal cancer who have progressed on first-line therapy. I am enthusiastic about the expansion of this cohort because it will enable the continued evaluation of the pelareorep/atezolizumab combination and could provide important confirmatory data that may lead to better treatment options for patients with this late-stage disease." "We look forward to building on the oncology community's enthusiastic reception of the IMACC 2023 data by expanding enrollment in the anal carcinoma cohort and incorporating additional sites into the study," commented Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oncolytics. "Careful consideration of recently published clinical trial results indicates that a modest expansion of fewer than 20 patients will be sufficient to solidify the efficacy signal we have observed to date and lay the groundwork for a potential future registrational study in this population. We look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with the clinical sites and investigators at AIO and hope to report additional results in 2025." References Rao S, et al. Phase II study of retifanlimab in patients (pts) with squamous carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) who progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. Annals of Oncology. 2020 September. doi: . Marabelle A, et al. Pembrolizumab for previously treated advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma: results from the non-randomised, multicohort, multicentre, phase 2 KEYNOTE-158 study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 May;7(5):446-454. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00382-4. Lonardi S, et al. Randomized phase II trial of avelumab alone or in combination with cetuximab for patients with previously treated, locally advanced, or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma: the CARACAS study. J Immunother Cancer. 2021 November;9(11):e002996. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002996. PMID: 34815354; PMCID: PMC8611452. 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 12 centers in Germany and is being managed by AIO-Studien-gGmbH. The co-primary endpoints of the study are objective response rate (ORR) assessed at week 16 and safety. Key secondary and exploratory endpoints include additional efficacy assessments and evaluation of potential biomarkers (T cell clonality and CEACAM6). The study employs a Simon two-stage design with Stage 1 comprising four 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; and Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab in 2nd line advanced and unresectable anal cancer 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 internal 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 Phase 2 studies in breast and pancreatic cancers. 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. For further information, please visit: . 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; our plan to expand the evaluation of pelareorep in patients with advanced anal cancer; our belief that continued positive results could potentially expand the opportunity for pelareorep beyond the lead indications of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer and open the door to a rapid regulatory pathway; our belief that the expansion of the anal cancer cohort will enable the continued evaluation of the pelareorep/atezolizumab combination and could provide important confirmatory data that may lead to better treatment options for patients with this late-stage disease; our belief in the potential for a future registrational study in anal cancer; our plans to continue our collaboration with the clinical sites and investigators at AIO-Studien-gGmbH and hope to report additional results in 2025; 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.

SAN DIEGO, CA and CALGARY, AB, Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics company focused on oncology, reported on significant 2023 accomplishments and announced corporate priorities and anticipated clinical development milestones for 2024. Overview: "2023 was an outstanding year for Oncolytics and the development of pelareorep as a potential cancer therapy. To date, we have studied pelareorep in more than 1,100 patients, and it has been shown to be well-tolerated with mild side effects. Promising clinical and translational results from our Phase 2 programs and mechanism of action learnings from a wide range of tumor types, as detailed below, provided consistent data and efficacy signals with durable responses that support the use of pelareorep as an immunotherapeutic agent, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other agents. These data readouts from multiple clinical studies at numerous sites and from diverse cancer indications that are clinically important make a compelling argument for pelareorep as a true backbone immunotherapy with the potential to help countless patients across a range of tumors," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "We believe our cash balance and strong data, supported by our active business development program, position us well for 2024." Positive Clinical and Translational Data: "Positive, early results from the Phase 1/2 GOBLET study in three gastrointestinal cancers - pancreatic, anal, and colorectal - showed that the combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab produced clinically meaningful improvements in response rates and survival timelines that are notably improved compared to historical results with no toxicity concerns. Translational data from studies in solid tumors, breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers showed that treatment with pelareorep remodels the tumor microenvironment and stimulates tumor-directed immune responses, affirming its mechanism of action as an immunotherapeutic agent. Together, these data provide a strong foundation to support advancing pelareorep into registrational-track studies, starting in 2024," continued Dr Coffey. 2024 Outlook: Dr. Coffey concluded by saying, "Looking ahead to 2024, we expect to initiate the first Phase 3 study for pelareorep in pancreatic cancer. The transition to a late-stage biopharmaceutical company will mark an important inflection point for investors, clinical collaborators and potential partners by providing a line of sight towards the path to regulatory approval and achieving our mission of developing pelareorep as an immunotherapeutic agent for cancer. We are excited to launch a new Phase 1/2 pancreatic cancer study investigating, for the first time, pelareorep in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX). Finally, our discussions with regulators on a pivotal Phase 3 trial have been productive to date, and we expect to provide guidance on the registration path for metastatic breast cancer in the first half of 2024. We look forward to updating our stakeholders on our progress as the year unfolds." Immunotherapeutic Mechanism of Action: Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oncolytics, said, "Translational data from multiple studies in 2023 have helped define pelareorep's role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and have provided a better understanding of its ability to induce the expansion of T cell populations. Notably, the positive association between tumor response and TIL clone expansion could become a useful marker of clinical outcomes in future studies and during patient care. Moreover, these findings further distinguish pelareorep's mechanism of action from that of other immunotherapeutic agents and provide support for its immunologic effects, which are largely driven by the introduction of its double-stranded RNA genome into cancer cells." Financial Strength and Partnering Outlook: Kirk Look, Oncolytics' Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Our $40 million cash balance as of September 30, 2023, and the grant funding from The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) provides us with over 12 months of runway to support our operations, including the initiation of our first Phase 3 study and the BRACELET-1 survival data. We continue to have active conversations with potential partners and work diligently with clinical collaborators, including Roche and Pfizer. We believe the positive, extended dataset, including continued and durable responses, survival results, and translational observations, will provide potential partners with a well-defined and unique target product profile that will add to our discussions." Anticipated Milestones are expected to include: H1 2024: Guidance on the registration path for HR+/HER2- mBC (metastatic breast cancer) H1 2024: Initiation of the PanCAN-supported Phase 2 Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) trial incorporating mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab and pelareorep Mid-2024: Initiation of the adaptive Phase 3 trial for pelareorep in PDAC Overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 study Expand enrollment following achievement of success criteria from the GOBLET Phase 1/2 study anal cancer cohort Highlights of Oncolytics Biotech's 2023 Achievements: HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer Program and the BRACELET-1 study Promising Randomized Phase 2 Data Readout Supports Previous Near Doubling of Median Overall Survival: Data presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting showed that pelareorep in combination with paclitaxel (cohort 2) resulted in a near tripling of confirmed overall response rate, a 50% increase in median progression-free survival, and a hazard ratio of 0.29 (link to the PR) compared to paclitaxel monotherapy (cohort 1). Overall survival (OS) data continues to mature since multiple patients continue to be followed for survival in the pelareorep + paclitaxel cohort. Positive results would provide Oncolytics with two successful randomized Phase 2 studies showing a meaningful OS benefit for pelareorep. The data reported so far supports the initiation of a pivotal study in mBC and makes the case for an overall survival and progression-free survival dual endpoint in a registrational trial, which could substantially reduce the time to potential approval. Gastrointestinal Cancers and the GOBLET study cohorts Pancreatic Cancer Survival Data Reported at ESMO Supports Decision to Move to Phase 3: Updated data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 showed a 62% objective response rate, nearly triple what has been seen in historical control trials. In addition, interim survival data, including median progression-free survival and median overall survival timelines, exceed historical control trials by 25% or more (link to the PR, link to the poster). Patients in this single-arm, open-label study with advanced PDAC were treated with pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel. We continue to follow the survival of several patients in this cohort as well as patients from the GOBLET study with third-line colorectal cancer, which also met the pre-defined success criteria (link to the PR, link to the poster). Having received Fast Track designation from the FDA for the treatment regimen of pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in metastatic PDAC patients last year, we were very pleased to report additional promising data for this combination, paving the way to initiate our adaptive Phase 3 trial which will now be conducted by Oncolytics, building on the positive feedback from our work with PanCAN. Also, thanks to a US$5 million grant from PanCAN, we will examine the potential of pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab. With these data plus the results from the adaptive Phase 3 PDAC study (pelareorep + gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel + atezolizumab), we hope to show efficacy data for pelareorep in combination with the two most commonly used treatment regimens for pancreatic cancer patients, which could help pave the way for future broad adoption by physicians and impact a substantial number of patients. Anal Cancer Data - Positive Early Results in an Underserved Patient Population: Data presented at the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Anal Cancer Conference (IMACC 2023) achieved the pre-defined Simon-two-step success criteria and showed a near tripling of objective response rates compared to historical control trials in addition to a complete response (link to the PR, link to the poster). Patients in this single-arm, open-label study with second-line, unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) were treated with pelareorep and atezolizumab, marking an exciting signal of efficacy in an indication where checkpoint inhibitors have had limited impact historically, and there are few treatment options. Having met the success criteria for efficacy for this cohort, we will work closely with AIO-Studien-gGmbH (AIO), which is managing the GOBLET study, to expand the number of patients who can be treated and, hopefully, accelerate the enrollment process. With continued positive data, this could become another high-priority indication for the company. Other Opportunities: Preclinical data published in Science Translational Medicine (link to the PR) from studies in murine tumor models showed that combining CAR T cells with pelareorep improved CAR T cell persistence and efficacy in solid tumors. An intravenous boost of pelareorep enhanced this effect and led to tumor cures in >80% of cases. We believe there is a significant opportunity here as CAR T cell therapy is currently only effective in hematological cancers, and solid tumors are the vast majority of cancers diagnosed each year. While we do not have an active program underway, we continue to have discussions on the best way to advance this effort. I would like to take this moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank our shareholders for their support. We look forward to providing additional positive updates in 2024. Dr. Matt Coffey President & CEO Oncolytics Biotech About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in Phase 2 studies in breast and pancreatic cancers. 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. For further information, please visit: . 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; our belief that we have a strong foundation to support advancing pelareorep into registrational-track studies, starting in 2024; our stated goals, objectives and mission; our plans to launch a Phase 1/2 pancreatic cancer study; our plan to provide guidance on the registration path for metastatic breast cancer in the first half of 2024; our belief that our cash on hand provides us with over 12 months of runway to support our operations, including the initiation of our first Phase 3 study and the BRACELET-1 survival data; our anticipated milestones and the timing thereof, including: guidance on the registration path for HR+/HER2- mBC (metastatic breast cancer); initiation of the PanCAN-supported Phase 2 Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) trial incorporating modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) +/- atezolizumab and pelareorep; initiation of the adaptive Phase 3 trial for pelareorep in PDAC; overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 study; expand enrollment following achievement of success criteria from the GOBLET Phase 1/2 study anal cancer cohort; our plans to examine the potential of pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab; our plans to work closely with AIO-Studien-gGmbH to expand the number of patients who can be treated and, hopefully, accelerate the enrolment process; 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. Logo: SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech® Inc.