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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 December 2007

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   o   Form 40-F   þ

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 Rule 12g3-2(b):   82 -             



 


 

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)
 
         
 
Date: December 11, 2007   By:   /s/ Doug Ball
Doug Ball
Chief Financial Officer

 


 

Oncolytics Biotech Logo 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2N 1X7


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Announces Issuance of 25th U.S. Patent
CALGARY, AB — December 11, 2007 - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) (“Oncolytics”) today announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent 7,306,902 entitled “Oncolytic Viruses as Phenotyping Agents for Neoplasms.” The claims describe methods of diagnosing cancers with unknown phenotypes by using oncolytic viruses that selectively replicate in cancer cells with known phenotypes.
“Oncolytic viruses are selective for certain mutations in cancer cells,” said Dr. Matt Coffey, Chief Scientific Officer of Oncolytics. “By using these viruses in tumour samples, we may be able to more accurately diagnose the various cancer phenotypes, ultimately leading to a more individualized approach to cancer treatment.”
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics’ clinical program includes a variety of Phase I and Phase II human trials using REOLYSIN®, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit www.oncolyticsbiotech.com
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 importance of the issuance of this patent, the safety and efficacy of the reovirus, 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 and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. 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:
         
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
  The Equicom Group   The Investor Relations Group
Cathy Ward
  Nick Hurst   Erika Moran
210, 1167 Kensington Cr NW
  325, 300 5th Ave SW   11 Stone St, 3rd Floor
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7
  Calgary, Alberta T2P 3C4   New York, NY 10004
Tel: 403.670.7377
  Tel: 403.538.4845   Tel: 212.825.3210
Fax: 403.283.0858
  Fax: 403.237.6916   Fax: 212.825.3229
cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca
  nhurst@equicomgroup.com   emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com
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