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Oncolytics Biotech (ONCY) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Condition - The company has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund operations into Q3 2025 without additional funding[25]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company had an accumulated deficit of 477.7millionandincurrednetlossesof477.7 million and incurred net losses of 31.7 million, 27.8million,and27.8 million, and 24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively[55]. - The company anticipates needing additional financing in the future to fund research and development, with cash and cash equivalents of 15.9millionasofDecember31,2024[56].Thecompanyhasnotbeenprofitablesinceitsinceptionandexpectstocontinueincurringsubstantiallossesasitadvancesresearchanddevelopmentefforts[164].Themarketpriceofthecompanyscommonsharesmaybevolatile,affectingtheabilityofholderstosellatadvantageousprices[147].ProductDevelopmentandClinicalTrialsTheproductcandidatepelareorepiscurrentlyintheresearchanddevelopmentstageandrequiresfurtherclinicaltrialsbeforecommercialization[26].Thecompanyplanstoconductregistrationenablingtrialsforpelareorepoverthenextseveralyears,whichmaybechallengingduetolimitedresources[27].Thecompanyisseekingapartnertocontinuetheclinicaldevelopmentandcommercializationofitsproductcandidate,pelareorep,duetolimitedfinancialresources[53].Thecompanymaynotachieveprojecteddevelopmentmilestones,whichcouldadverselyaffectitsbusinessandfinancialcondition[54].Theregulatoryapprovalprocessforpharmaceuticalsislengthyandresourceintensive,withpotentialfordelaysordenialsimpactingproductdevelopment[62].MarketandCompetitiveLandscapeThebiotechnologyindustryishighlycompetitive,withestablishedcompanieshavinggreaterresources,whichcouldadverselyaffectthecompanysmarketpositionandfinancialcondition[97].Thecompanyanticipatesincreasedcompetitionasnewproductsandadvancedtechnologiesenterthemarket,whichcouldrenderitsproductsobsolete[99].Pelareorepwillneedtodemonstrateimprovedclinicalefficacyand/orsafetycomparedtocompetingproductstoeffectivelycompeteinthemarket[205].TheaddressablepopulationforpelareorepbasedcombinationtherapyinadvancedormetastaticHR+/HER2breastcancerisestimatedat55,000patientsannuallyintheU.S.,withpotentialpeaksalesofupto15.9 million as of December 31, 2024[56]. - The company has not been profitable since its inception and expects to continue incurring substantial losses as it advances research and development efforts[164]. - The market price of the company's common shares may be volatile, affecting the ability of holders to sell at advantageous prices[147]. Product Development and Clinical Trials - The product candidate pelareorep is currently in the research and development stage and requires further clinical trials before commercialization[26]. - The company plans to conduct registration-enabling trials for pelareorep over the next several years, which may be challenging due to limited resources[27]. - The company is seeking a partner to continue the clinical development and commercialization of its product candidate, pelareorep, due to limited financial resources[53]. - The company may not achieve projected development milestones, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition[54]. - The regulatory approval process for pharmaceuticals is lengthy and resource-intensive, with potential for delays or denials impacting product development[62]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The biotechnology industry is highly competitive, with established companies having greater resources, which could adversely affect the company's market position and financial condition[97]. - The company anticipates increased competition as new products and advanced technologies enter the market, which could render its products obsolete[99]. - Pelareorep will need to demonstrate improved clinical efficacy and/or safety compared to competing products to effectively compete in the market[205]. - The addressable population for pelareorep-based combination therapy in advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer is estimated at 55,000 patients annually in the U.S., with potential peak sales of up to 2.4 billion[201]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is dependent on successful regulatory approvals for pelareorep to achieve commercial success[28]. - The FDA's acceptance of clinical trial data from outside the United States is contingent on compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, which could delay development if not met[74]. - The company may face increased requirements for drug purity and environmental regulations, which could affect manufacturing and compliance[65]. - The company is subject to complex data protection laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), which may increase compliance costs and potential liabilities[136]. - The company may be subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs due to new data protection laws and regulations[139]. Intellectual Property and Legal Risks - The company relies on patents and proprietary rights to protect its technology, with granted patents in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan[81]. - The patent prosecution process is complex and may not result in sufficient protection for the company's technologies, potentially leading to generic competition[82]. - The company may face patent infringement claims from third parties, which could result in significant legal costs and impact business operations[87]. - Changes in U.S. patent law, particularly the transition to a "first-to-file" system, may negatively impact the company's ability to obtain and enforce patents, potentially favoring larger competitors[93]. Operational Risks - The company may experience supply chain disruptions due to economic conditions, impacting ongoing clinical trials[45]. - The company relies on third-party manufacturers for production, and any difficulties in this area could delay clinical trials and regulatory approvals[115]. - The company relies on third parties for the production, testing, and supply of pelareorep, which may lead to delays if these sources fail to meet requirements[119]. - The company is dependent on key employees and collaborators, and the loss of these individuals could impede product development[132]. Research and Development Collaborations - The company has entered into an agreement with Roche to supply immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for ongoing studies involving pelareorep[35]. - The company has a licensing agreement with Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd for pelareorep in several Asian markets, which may be impacted by trade restrictions[44]. - The company is pursuing a strategy of establishing relationships with larger companies as strategic partners to assist in clinical development and market entry[168]. Clinical Trial Results - Pelareorep treatment in HR+/HER2- mBC patients showed a median overall survival (OS) of 32.1 months compared to 18.2 months for paclitaxel alone, indicating a greater than 12-month survival advantage[183]. - The GOBLET platform study reported an objective response rate (ORR) of 62% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 85% in advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients treated with pelareorep, atezolizumab, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel[172]. - In the IND.213 study, patients treated with pelareorep plus paclitaxel had a median OS of 17.4 months compared to 10.4 months for those on paclitaxel alone, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.65[183]. - The GOBLET study identified CEACAM6 as a potential predictive biomarker for response to pelareorep therapy, with low levels correlating with prolonged PFS[172]. Environmental and Cybersecurity Concerns - Environmental issues are becoming more material, and the company may face increased scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and compliance with regulations[158]. - The company maintains cyber liability insurance, but it may not be sufficient to cover potential losses from cybersecurity incidents[157].