---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001129928-26-000059"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "ONCY"
cik: "0001129928"
company_name: "ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC"
filed_at: "2026-09-29T13:34:58+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-10-12T13:45:03.514721+00:00"
event_type: "other_material"
sentiment: "positive"
materiality_score: 0.35
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.35
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Oncolytics' pelareorep data in PNAS show 'cold' liver tumors turned immunotherapy-responsive

## Summary
- Academic paper 'MicroRNA-driven regulation of immunosuppressive microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma' published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Sept. 28, 2026.
- Preclinical data show pelareorep reversed immunosuppression in hepatocellular carcinoma, with increases in PD-L1 expression, ICOSL on tumor cells and CD8+ T cell density.
- CMO Thomas Heineman said liver cancer is not an indication Oncolytics intends to pursue now, but the data are aiding business development conversations.
- Paper also notes PD-1/PD-L1 upregulation and Inducible T cell Co-stimulator (ICOS)-ICOSL signaling, conditions cited as necessary for checkpoint inhibitors to work.
- Oncolytics describes pelareorep as an investigational, systemically active immunotherapy that forms tertiary lymphoid structures and expands tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001129928-26-000059
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: ONCY
- cik: 0001129928
- company_name: ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC
- filed_at: 2026-09-29T13:34:58+00:00
- event_type: other_material
- sentiment: positive
- materiality_score: 0.35
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.35
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 8.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1129928/000112992826000059/0001129928-26-000059-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1129928/000112992826000059/oncy-20260929.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001129928-26-000059
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001129928-26-000059.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001129928-26-000059.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.