Pelareorep boosts PD-L1 expression, primes tumors for checkpoint inhibitors.

Oncolytics Biotech presented biomarker and translational data for pelareorep, a systemically delivered oncolytic virus. The data confirm viral replication, interferon signaling, and an increase in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes after pelareorep treatment. Additionally, cross-study data show pelareorep increases PD-L1 expression and boosts cytotoxic T-cell activity, making resistant tumors susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors. These results reinforce pelareorep's ability to turn cold tumors hot, paving the way for registration-enabling trials.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) has presented comprehensive biomarker and translational data demonstrating the effectiveness of its immunotherapy candidate, pelareorep, across multiple tumor types. The data, derived from the GOBLET and AWARE-1 studies, provide robust evidence of pelareorep's immune-mediated mechanism of action, particularly its ability to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' phenotypes.

Key findings from the studies show that pelareorep successfully replicates in cancer cells, activates interferon signaling, and increases tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) [1]. This leads to the upregulation of PD-L1 expression and the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells into the tumor microenvironment, making resistant tumors susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors.

The cross-study consistency of these immune signatures across challenging cancer types such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and HR+/HER2- breast cancer provides strong validation of pelareorep's platform potential. The correlation between TIL clone expansion and tumor size reduction represents a critical translational link between mechanism and clinical benefit [2].

The data also suggest that pelareorep can modulate the tumor microenvironment to enhance responsiveness to immune therapies. This is particularly significant as it creates a rational basis for combination with checkpoint inhibitors, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms that limit current immunotherapies.

Oncolytics Biotech expects additional translational data readouts next year and plans to provide an updated clinical timeline by the end of Q3 2025. The company is positioning pelareorep for registration-enabling trials, with enrollment continuing in the GOBLET study.

These findings are significant for investors and financial professionals as they underscore the potential of pelareorep as a versatile platform immunotherapy with strong potential in large indications with high unmet medical needs.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oncolytics-biotech-presents-aggregated-translational-data-providing-evidence-of-pelareoreps-effectiveness-across-multiple-tumor-types-302506587.html
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ONCY/oncolytics-biotech-presents-aggregated-translational-data-providing-uzytae90i9mn.html