Oncolytics Biotech, Inc.

Technology

What is Pelareorep

Pelareorep is a non-pathogenic, proprietary isolate of the unmodified reovirus. A first-in-class intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus (IOV) for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. It induces selective tumor lysis and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Actively turning 'COLD' tumors 'HOT'.

What is Reovirus?

Reovirus is a naturally occurring, non-pathogenic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus commonly found in environmental waters. It is widely hosted and typically only affects the gastrointestinal or respiratory system, with symptoms much like a common cold or the flu, depending on severity.

Mechanism of Action

How Pelareorep Works

Clinical trials have provided us with a multitude of observations and conclusions thus far regarding the effectiveness of pelareorep in normal cells versus cancerous cells.

Normal Cells/Cancer Cells

In normal cells
In non-cancer cells, pelareorep enters the cells but is unable to replicate and the virus is actively cleared.

In cancer cells
pelareorep selectively replicates in permissive cancer cells. Upon virus replication, cancer cells lyse/die releasing additional virus particles to infect nearby cancer cells.

Direct Cell Lysis

Pelareorep is able to selectively replicate in cancer cells, but not in normal cells due to a number of factors that are unique to cancer cells, including:

  • Defective cell signaling pathways
  • A high level of genomic mutations (or mutations in key tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes)
  • Cellular stress from chemo and radiation therapy

Pelareorep enhances the body's natural anti-cancer immune response by activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems, converting immune unresponsive 'cold tumors' into immune responsive 'hot tumors'.

Pelareorep Innate Immune Response

Cancer cells infected with pelareorep release inflammatory cytokines. This inflammatory milieu activates natural killer (NK) cells and promotes the migration of NK cells, dendritic cells, and T-cells, to the tumor microenvironment which aids in immune cell mediated cancer cell death.

Pelareorep Adaptive Immune Response

Following pelareorep mediated cancer cell death, the release of the tumor and viral associated antigens are taken up by antigen presenting cells (APCs). APCs then process and present antigens to T-cells. This trains the adaptive immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. An adaptive immune response allows for: existing cancer cells to be eliminated, constant cancer cell surveillance, relapse prevention, and increased overall survival.