Oncolytics reports preclinical pelareorep liver cancer findings

• Oncolytics Biotech reported published preclinical data showing pelareorep increased immune activity markers in liver cancer tumors.
• The findings showed increased PD-L1 expression, ICOSL levels, and CD8+ T-cell density in hepatocellular carcinoma models.
• The company said the results are preclinical and it does not currently plan to pursue liver cancer as an indication.

Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ:ONCY) reported published preclinical findings showing that pelareorep increased markers associated with immune activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer.

The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on September 28, 2026.

In preclinical HCC models, pelareorep increased PD-L1 expression, elevated ICOSL levels on tumor cells, and increased CD8+ T-cell density within tumors.

The company said these findings suggest pelareorep may alter the tumor immune environment in a way that could make tumors more responsive to immune-based treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors.

Pelareorep is an investigational oncolytic virus therapy designed to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.

Oncolytics said the liver cancer findings are preclinical and that it does not currently intend to develop pelareorep as a treatment for liver cancer.