Oncolytics Biotech Shows Pelareorep Survival Benefits Across Tumors

Oncolytics Biotech has reported promising clinical data for pelareorep, an intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, showing a significant survival benefit in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with a two-year overall survival rate of 21.9% compared to a historical 9.2%. The therapy also demonstrated a 62% objective response rate in combination with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, highlighting its potential as a transformative cancer treatment. The oncolytic virus immunotherapy market is rapidly growing, projected to expand from $156.8 million in 2024 to $429.1 million by 2030, driven by technological advances and combination therapy potential, with companies like Oncorus and Replimune leading development. However, regulatory and reimbursement changes for drugs approved via the 505(b)(2) pathway are creating operational challenges for oncology infusion centers, potentially affecting patient access to new treatments. Additionally, clinical trial complexity and patient recruitment remain significant hurdles in oncology drug development, with companies like MEDSIR addressing these issues through investigator-led, patient-centered trial designs and multidisciplinary support. Pharmacists also play a critical role in adapting to emerging hematologic malignancy therapies by managing drug efficacy, safety, and interactions to optimize patient outcomes.