CALGARY, Jan. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics
Biotech® Inc. ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") (TSX: ONC)
(OTCQX: ONCYF) today announced that Matt Coffey PhD, MBA, has been
appointed to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer,
effective immediately. Dr. Coffey had been serving as the Company's
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since early
November 2016.
"Dr. Coffey has transitioned seamlessly into his new role and,
together with the expanded senior management team, has rapidly
crafted plans to advance a range of clinical and operational
initiatives," said Wayne Pisano,
Chairman of Oncolytics' Board of Directors. "After careful
consideration and review, taking into account his extensive
knowledge of REOLYSIN®, tenure with the Company, and
efforts to date, the Board has determined that Dr. Coffey is
ideally positioned to lead Oncolytics' ongoing efforts to move a
first in class immuno-oncology viral agent through late-stage
clinical testing."
A co-founder of the Company, Dr. Coffey completed his doctorate
degree in oncology at the University of
Calgary with a focus on the oncolytic capabilities of the
reovirus. The results of his research have been published in
various respected scientific journals, including Science,
Human Gene Therapy, and The EMBO Journal. Dr. Coffey
has held progressively senior roles with Oncolytics including,
Chief Operating Officer since December
2008, Chief Scientific Officer, Vice-President of Product
Development and Chief Financial 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 senior management of
Oncolytics, 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.