On November 19, 2020 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) reported positive results from ReoGlio, an investigator-sponsored, phase 1b trial evaluating the combination of pelareorep and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) alongside standard chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, NOV 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234571435]). The results, which were featured in a podium presentation at the 2020 Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, show a compelling signal of efficacy and demonstrate the safety and tolerability of the pelareorep-based combination therapy in newly diagnosed GBM patients.

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"The ReoGlio trial results add to a robust set of clinical data supporting the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pelareorep in a broad range of indications," said Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Clinical Development and Operations at Oncolytics. "The median progression-free survival (PFS) of approximately eight months is encouraging in this challenging indication, particularly considering the improved median PFS correlated with the dose of pelareorep administered. Together, these results drive momentum to develop pelareorep across a spectrum of cancer indications."

The podium presentation, Pelareorep and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) with standard chemoradiotherapy/adjuvant temozolomide for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients: ReoGlio phase I trial results, was given by Susan Short, M.R.C.P., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Oncology and Neuro-Oncology at the University of Leeds. Key data and conclusions from the presentation include:

Evaluable patients treated at pelareorep dose level-2 (3×1010 TCID50) had an estimated median PFS of 9.4 months (n=6; 95% CI: 4.2-10.6)
Evaluable patients treated at pelareorep dose level-1 (1×1010 TCID50) had an estimated median PFS of 6.1 months (n=6; 95% CI: 4.9-9.2)
The estimated median PFS of all evaluable patients, regardless of pelareorep dose level, was 7.8 months (n=12; 95% CI: 4.9-9.7)
Pelareorep, in addition to GM-CSF, standard chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant temozolomide, was safe and well-tolerated
Oncolytics remains focused on the clinical advancement of pelareorep and will continue evaluating new commercial opportunities for pelareorep, while prioritizing the current programs and achieving the expected milestones for those in breast, gastrointestinal, and hematological malignancies. Oncolytics thanks the University of Leeds, Cancer Research UK, and The Brain Tumor Charity for designing, managing, and funding the ReoGlio trial.

About ReoGlio

The ReoGlio trial was an investigator-sponsored phase 1b, open-label trial evaluating the combination of pelareorep and GM-CSF, alongside standard chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide, for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM. Fifteen patients were treated in the trial, twelve of which were evaluable for efficacy analyses. The primary objective of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of pelareorep and GM-CSF with standard chemoradiotherapy. Secondary objectives were to gain a preliminary assessment of the activity of the pelareorep-GM-CSF combination and to assess treatment compliance. The trial was designed and managed by the University of Leeds and funded through grants provided by Cancer Research UK and The Brain Tumor Charity.

About Pelareorep

Pelareorep is a non-pathogenic, proprietary isolate of the unmodified reovirus: a first-in-class intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The compound induces selective tumor lysis and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers and has been demonstrated to be able to escape neutralizing antibodies found in patients.