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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of November 2003
Commission File Number 000-31062
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Suite 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1X7
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
| Form 20-F þ | Form 40-F o |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
| Yes o | No þ |
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule12g3-2(b): 82-
| SIGNATURES | ||||||||
| PRESS RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2003 | ||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (Registrant) |
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| Date November 18, 2003 | By: | /s/ Brad Thompson
Brad Thompson President & CEO |
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![[ONCOLYTICS LOGO]](o11267o1126701.gif) |
210, 1167 Kensington Cr. N.W. Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 1X7 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oncolytics Biotech Granted Ras Targeted Herpes Virus Patent
CALGARY, Alberta, November 18, 2003 – Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) (“Oncolytics”) announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent 6,649,157 entitled “Viruses for the Treatment of Cellular Proliferative Disorders.” The claims in this patent cover the treatment of Ras mediated tumours using modified herpes viruses.
“We now have issued patents covering the treatment of cancers using three groups of viruses, including herpes, adenovirus and reovirus, that target the Ras pathway,” said Dr. Matt Coffey, Vice President, Product Development of Oncolytics. Herpes viruses having alterations in the γ34.5 gene are commonly used in programs ranging from basic research to advanced clinical studies.”
The issued claims in this patent cover the use of a herpes virus that has been modified by a mutation in the γ34.5 gene, for the treatment of Ras mediated cancers. This is believed to cause this virus to provide specificity in Ras activated cancer cells.
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of REOLYSIN®, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, as a potential cancer therapeutic. Oncolytics’ researchers have demonstrated that in vitro the reovirus is able to selectively kill human cancer cells that are derived from many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, pancreatic and brain tumours. They have also demonstrated successful results in a number of animal models. Phase I clinical trial results have indicated that REOLYSIN® was well tolerated and that the reovirus demonstrated activity in tumours injected with REOLYSIN®.
This news release contains forward looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward looking statements, including among others, the Company’s belief as to, the safety and efficacy of the modified herpes viruses; the Company’s expectations as to the potential applications of the patented technology and other statements relating to anticipated developments in the Company’s business and technologies, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that 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 efficacy of REOLYSIN® as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. 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:
| For Canada: Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Matt Coffey 210, 1167 Kensington Cr NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7 Tel: 403.670.7377 Fax: 403.283.0858 www.oncolyticsbiotech.com |
For Canada: The Equicom Group Joanna Longo 20 Toronto Street Toronto, Ontario M5C 2B8 Tel: 416.815.0700 ext. 233 Fax: 416.815.0080 jlongo@equicomgroup.com |
For United States: The Investor Relations Group Gino De Jesus or Dian Griesel, Ph.D. 11 Stone Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 T: 212.825.3210 F: 212.825.3229 mail@investorrelationsgroup.com |
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