Anal Canal Carcinoma

Pelareorep advancing to registration-enabling studies Preparations underway for Type C meeting with the FDA to establish registrational pathway in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer Overall survival data from BRACELET-1 breast cancer study expected in H2 2024 Cash position of $29.6 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, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced recent operational highlights and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian currency unless otherwise noted. "Our 2024 is off to an exciting start as we have been granted a Type C meeting with the FDA to discuss our planned registration-enabling study in breast cancer. With respect to our GOBLET study, we expanded enrollment in the anal cancer cohort and expect to begin enrolling patients this quarter into our new pancreatic cancer cohort investigating modified FOLFIRINOX/pelareorep with or without atezolizumab," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. "This new GOBLET study activity represents an opportunity to significantly expand pelareorep's impact on gastrointestinal cancers. Our 2024 milestones are driven by a robust clinical database from two positive randomized studies in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, multiple cohorts from our GOBLET study, especially in pancreatic and anal cancers, and consistent translational data across several indications. Together, these studies have repeatedly demonstrated the potential benefits of pelareorep treatment and support its mechanism of action as a differentiated immunotherapeutic agent." Dr. Coffey continued, "Looking ahead, Oncolytics is focused on advancing pelareorep towards registration-enabling studies in breast and pancreatic cancer that will lead to the broad adoption of pelareorep as a treatment for cancer. We are optimistic about the potential for pelareorep to improve the care of cancer patients and look forward to updating investors with our progress on these important milestones." First Quarter and Subsequent Highlights FDA Type C meeting granted to discuss plans for breast cancer. Oncolytics has been granted a meeting with the FDA to discuss the Company's planned registration-enabling study for pelareorep in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. Aligning with the FDA on the design and objectives of a registrational trial for pelareorep in metastatic breast cancer is a key near-term milestone and a critical step towards bringing this innovative treatment to patients. Encouraging data from two randomized studies (BRACELET-1 and IND-213) showing a meaningful benefit for patients receiving pelareorep and paclitaxel compared to paclitaxel monotherapy, in addition to translational data from the AWARE-1 study, form the basis for Oncolytics' registrational program. Ongoing dialogue with clinical collaborators and potential partners, as well as prior FDA guidance, has helped the Company shape its thinking on the optimal registration pathway, which is reflected in the briefing document that was submitted to the FDA in advance of the upcoming Type C meeting. Initiated enrollment expansion of the GOBLET anal cancer cohort. Enrolling additional patients into this cohort was initiated as a result of compelling clinical data. These data, presented at a medical meeting last fall, showed that the combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab yielded a 37.5% objective response rate in patients with second-line or later unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA), including one patient who had a complete response ongoing at 12 months. These data compare favorably to historical clinical results, which showed that patients with second-line or later anal carcinoma experienced response rates of 10-14%1-3 when treated with checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. The addition of 18 evaluable patients could further validate the impressive results reported to date and potentially advance pelareorep toward a future registration in another indication (link to the PR). Received German regulatory and ethics approval to begin enrolling patients in a new pancreatic cancer cohort supported by PanCAN. As part of the Company's strategy to improve treatment options for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, pelareorep will be evaluated in a new cohort of the GOBLET study. This cohort will include pelareorep in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX), one of the most widely used therapies in this indication, with or without atezolizumab. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) awarded Oncolytics US$5 million to fund this cohort as a result of being selected to receive PanCAN's Therapeutic Accelerator Award, which is granted to accelerate the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Oncolytics is also continuing to develop pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, another commonly used therapy for PDAC patients. This combination has already proven to exceed historical outcomes and resulted in a Fast Track designation from the FDA. Therefore, a compelling efficacy signal for pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX could lead to another registration-enabling study in PDAC (link to the PR). Upcoming presentations at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Oncolytics will share updates on cohort 5 of the GOBLET study in which the combination of pelareorep and mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab will be evaluated, and on pelareorep's ability to drive TIL expansion in pancreatic, breast, and colon cancer (link to the PR). Financial Highlights As of March 31, 2024, the Company reported $29.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, with a projected cash runway through critical milestones and into 2025. Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $7.5 million, compared to $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The change reflected higher net operating activities and non-cash working capital changes. General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $3.0 million, compared to $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower public-company related expenses associated with lower investor relations activities and lower directors and officers liability insurance premiums. Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $5.7 million, compared to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher manufacturing expenses associated with completing a cGMP production run and the related batch testing. We also started preparations for an upcoming product fill. The net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $6.9 million, compared to a net loss of $6.4 million for the first quarter of 2023. The basic and diluted loss per share was $0.09 in the first quarter of 2024, compared to a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.10 in the first quarter of 2023. Anticipated Milestones Mid 2024: Guidance on the registration path for HR+/HER2- mBC (metastatic breast cancer) Q2 2024: Initiation of the GOBLET PDAC cohort investigating pelareorep/mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab and supported by PanCAN 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, May 9, 2024. To access the call, please dial (800) 836-8184 (North America) or (289) 819-1350 (International), and if needed, provide Conference ID: 77797. 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) 660-6345 (North America) or (289) 819-1450 (International) and using replay code: 77797#. 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 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 statements regarding Oncolytics' belief as to the potential, mechanism of action and benefits of pelareorep as a cancer therapeutic; this new GOBLET study activity represents an opportunity to significantly expand pelareorep's impact in gastrointestinal cancers ; our focus on advancing pelareorep towards registration-enabling studies in breast and pancreatic cancer that will lead to the broad adoption of pelareorep as a treatment for cancer; our optimism about the potential for pelareorep to improve the care of cancer patients; our 2024 milestones, including aligning with the FDA on the design and objectives of a registrational trial for pelareorep in metastatic breast cancer, initiation of the PDAC cohort incorporating pelareorep/mFOLFIRINOX +/- atezolizumab and supported by PanCAN; and release of overall survival results from the BRACELET-1 trial and the anticipated timing for each; our belief that the addition of 18 evaluable patients could further validate study results in SCCA; our belief that a compelling efficacy signal for pelareorep in combination with mFOLFIRINOX could lead to another registration-enabling study in PDAC; 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.

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.