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| 7/11/2006 2:00:00 AM ET | News Release Index |
| Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Begins Patient Enrolment in U.S. Phase I/II Recurrent Malignant Gliomas Clinical Trial | |
| CALGARY, AB, --- July 11, 2006 - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (“Oncolytics”) (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) announced today that it has begun patient enrolment in its clinical trial to investigate the use of REOLYSIN® for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. The principal investigator for the Phase I/II trial is Dr. James Markert, Division Director of Neurosurgery, and Professor, Neurosurgery and Physiology, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This clinical trial is an open-label dose escalation Phase I/II trial in which a single dose of REOLYSIN® is administered by infusion to patients with recurrent malignant gliomas that are refractory to standard therapy. The administration involves the stereotactically-guided placement of a needle into the tumour, through which REOLYSIN® will be administered or infused into the tumour mass and surrounding tissue using a pump. The primary objective of the study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and safety profile of REOLYSIN®. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of viral replication, immune response to the virus and any evidence of anti-tumour activity. 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 Phase I and Phase I/II human trials using REOLYSIN®, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit www.oncolyticsbiotech.com This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements, including the Company’s expectations related to the results of the US Phase I/II trial investigating delivery of REOLYSIN® for recurrent malignant gliomas, and the Company’s belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN® as a cancer therapeutic, 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. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN® as a cancer treatment, 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. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Cathy Ward 210, 1167 Kensington Cr NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7 Tel: 403.670.7377 Fax: 403.283.0858 cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca www.oncolyticsbiotech.com The Equicom Group Nick Hurst 20 Toronto Street Toronto, Ontario M5C 2B8 Tel: 416.815.0700 ext.226 Fax: 416.815.0080 nhurst@equicomgroup.com The Investor Relations Group Damian McIntosh 11 Stone St, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: 212.825.3210 Fax: 212.825.3229 dmcintosh@investorrelationsgroup.com -30- |
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