On May 29, 2020 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), currently developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus, reported the publication of an electronic-poster (ePoster) with clinical proof-of-concept data from the Company’s phase 1b study in carfilzomib-refractory multiple myeloma patients treated with pelareorep in combination with carfilzomib (Kyprolis) (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, MAY 29, 2020, View Source [SID1234558692]). Data presented in the ePoster demonstrates that the pelareorep-carfilzomib combination treatment results in selective replication of pelareorep in cancer cells and beneficial induction of an inflamed tumor environment associated with clinical responses. The ePoster was published this morning and will be presented this weekend as part of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting.

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"We are excited by the data showing an association between clinical and anti-tumor inflammatory response induced with pelareorep-carfilzomib treatment in this extremely difficult to treat patient population," said Dr. Douglas W. Sborov, MD, co-author. "The induction of cytokine release syndrome, which can be effectively monitored and managed via treatment with tocilizumab and steroids, is particularly interesting as it highlights the ability of the treatment to induce robust immune cell activation and tumor lysis. Taken together with earlier results from this study demonstrating pelareorep-induced upregulation of PD-L1 expression, the current data strongly support the potential of the ongoing trial investigating pelareorep, carfilzomib, and immune checkpoint inhibitor combination. This ongoing study could ultimately result in the development of a new treatment option for this high-need indication."

The ePoster, Oncolytic virus Pelareorep [P] plus Carfilzomib & Dexamethasone [Kd] phase 1 trial in Carfilzomib-refractory patients (NCI9603): responses with cytokine storm was co-authored by Dr. Douglas W. Sborov MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah – Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Craig Hofmeister, M.D., MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology Emory University School of Medicine, as well as several other colleagues at institutions across the United States. Key data and conclusions from six patients in the study are presented in the ePoster and include:

•Pelareorep targets and selectively replicates in multiple myeloma tumor cells
•Pelareorep, when combined with carfilzomib, activates a profound inflammatory response accompanied by a 50% ORR (overall response rate) and 83% CBR (clinical benefit rate)
•Three partial responses (PRs), one minimal response (MR), one stable disease (SD), and one progressive disease (PD) were achieved among patients with advanced and difficult-to-treat carfilzomib-refractory disease
•Significant and rapid T cell activation led to a single incidence of cytokine storm associated with tumor response after treatment with pelareorep and carfilzomib

"The exciting clinical proof-of-concept data demonstrate that pelareorep induces an inflammatory response in multiple myeloma, which is an unusual lymphoid tumor with immunosuppressive properties," said Dr. Rita Laeufle, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics Biotech. "The study examines the relationship between pelareorep-induced tumor inflammation and response to treatment. These findings reveal that induction of inflammation within the multiple myeloma tumor microenvironment may augment the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors, which to date have had little success against multiple myeloma."

The ePoster was presented as part of the Hematologic Malignancies-Plasma Cell Dyscrasia session at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting. A copy of the ePoster can be found on the Posters & Publications page of the company’s website: View Source

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.