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Biotech / Medical : Oncolytics Biotech Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: DaveAu who wrote (77)	4/28/2002 8:56:54 AM
From: geoffb_si	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 103

Dave: >>> I've noted that ONXX has made a big move up recently (despite some negative analyst comments) on a couple of favourable articles in the US general interest press but none of it has spilled over to ONC. <<< I believe that while a lot of institutions own ONXX, no funds/institutions own ONC. Most funds don't invest in biotechs until there are some phase II (efficacy) results. We should be getting Phase II results over the next few months, which should generate some or a lot of buying interest (assuming continued good results). >>> I believe the ONC virus has huge advantages over competitors although some like ONXX are a little further ahead (although this may be deceiving). <<< I agree... There's a poster on Stockhouse (rjc) who developed a primer on anti-cancer viruses. It's a very good and informative paper, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the various viruses: stockhouse.com >>> The ONC virus causes no human disease, is the easiest to manufacture (witness their primate studies and also notes form the annual report), is useful against a wider range of cancers, and seems to be more effective (based on animal and admittedly small initial human trial). <<< I agree on all counts. Genetically-engineered viruses, although they may be safe in initial studies, are concerning, as the side-effects may not be known for years. Also, reovirus is a double-stranded virus, which means it has a built-in safety mechanism against mutation. Genetically-engineered viruses are also more difficult to manufacture, with poor titers (low concentration) of the virus. ONC has developed a manufacturing process that produces good titers. The biggest cost in manufacturing reovirus will be quality control. Theory (and some studies in animals) suggest that > 60% of all cancers are attacked by reovirus. When all is said and done, though, effectiveness will determine which viral cancer treatments get widespread use. Excuse my ignorance, but what cancers are ONXX effective against? >>> Unfortunately, the biotech market sucks right now and I notice Barrons this week is saying that large biotechs are overvalued which won't help the sector. It'll be interesting to see on Monday if this article brings more interest to ONC. <<< I hope so! Regards, Geoff