-- Andres A.
Gutierrez MD, PhD to Lead Development of Late Stage Clinical
Program & Registration Strategy --
CALGARY, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics
Biotech® Inc. ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") (TSX: ONC)
(OTCQX: ONCYF) (FRA: ONY) today announced the appointment of
Andres A. Gutierrez, MD, PhD to the
role of Chief Medical Officer.
"Dr. Gutierrez's significant immuno-oncology experience will be
transformative to Oncolytics. His expertise spans a range of
indications and drug types that are immediately applicable to his
new role and the clinical programs at Oncolytics," said Dr.
Matt Coffey, Interim President and
CEO of Oncolytics Biotech. "In addition to specific experience with
carfilzomib and immuno-checkpoint-inhibitors in the treatment of
multiple myeloma and diverse malignancies, respectively, he has
extensive experience in the design and implementation of clinical
programs, including registration studies, interacting with
regulatory bodies globally, and establishing strong relationships
with key opinion leaders."
"The addition of Dr. Gutierrez as CMO marks an important step
towards establishing a well-articulated clinical plan with a clear
registration strategy under Dr. Coffey's leadership," said
Wayne Pisano, Chair of the Board of
Oncolytics.
"The field of immunotherapy is now at a crossroads, trying to
identify the next-generation weapons poised to further enhance the
immune system to fight cancer," said Dr. Andres A. Gutierrez, Chief Medical Officer of
Oncolytics. "Extending the depth and quality of responses requires
better exploiting the interplay and hierarchy of the innate and
adaptive immune responses to design more powerful immune therapies.
Oncolytics and its collaborators have shown that
REOLYSIN® has both a tumor-priming effect, which can
improve the efficacy of other therapeutic agents, including check
point inhibitors, and that it can work within a dose range that has
a favorable safety profile even when combined with such other
therapeutic agents. This suggests that REOLYSIN®
has real potential in combination with other immune-modulators
and/or targeted therapies to improve not only the current clinical
outcomes but the quality of life for a wide array of cancer
patients. It is an exciting time to join Oncolytics and I am very
eager to share my experience in drug development in its mission to
help patients."
Dr. Gutierrez is board certified in internal medicine and
completed a fellowship in medical oncology. Most recently he has
held progressively senior clinical development positions designing
and implementing both early and later-stage oncology clinical
studies at a range of U.S. and European companies including Sellas
Life Sciences Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals
Inc, Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Proteolix, and Oculus Innovative
Sciences. Prior to that, he held a series of academic and
consulting positions. Over his 32 year career, he has authored and
co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts
and presented at numerous conferences. He received his MD and a PhD
in Biomedical Sciences from the National
Autonomous University of Mexico.
Alan Tuchman, MD, MBA, will
remain with Oncolytics in his new role of Chief Neuro Oncology
Research Officer.
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 later-stage, randomized human trials in
various indications using REOLYSIN®, its proprietary
formulation of the human reovirus. For further information about
Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian
securities laws. Statements, other than statements of historical
facts, included in this press release that address activities,
events or developments that Oncolytics expects or anticipates will
or may occur in the future, including the impact on Oncolytics and
its clinical program of the change in Chief Medical Officer, and
other such matters are forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information and 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 and
forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include,
among others, risks related to the statistical sufficiency
of patient enrollment numbers in separate patient groups, the
availability of funds and resources to pursue research and
development projects, the efficacy of
REOLYSIN® as a cancer treatment, the
tolerability of REOLYSIN® outside a
controlled test, 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 and
forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned against
placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to
update these forward-looking statements and forward-looking
information, except as required by applicable laws.
SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc.