suppl
Filed pursuant to General Instruction II.L of Form F-10;
File No. 333-140529
Prospectus Supplement
(To a Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus Dated February 15, 2007)
No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an
offence to claim otherwise.
This prospectus supplement, together with the short form base shelf prospectus dated February 15,
2007 to which it relates, as amended or supplemented, and each document deemed to be incorporated
by reference into the short form base shelf prospectus, constitutes a public offering of these
securities only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein only
by persons permitted to sell such securities.
Information has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
short form base shelf prospectus from documents filed with securities commissions or similar
authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained on request without charge from
the Corporate Secretary of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W.,
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7, telephone (403) 670-7377. In addition, copies of documents incorporated
by reference may be obtained from the securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada
through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. See Documents Incorporated by Reference.
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New Issue
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February 16, 2007 |
2,300,000 Common Shares
This prospectus supplement relates to the issuance of: (i) up to 2,000,000 of our common
shares, issuable from time to time, on exercise of 2,000,000 common share purchase warrants
expected to be issued by us on or about February 22, 2007 pursuant to the unit offering described
below, (ii) up to 300,000 of our common shares issuable from time to time, on exercise of 300,000
common share purchase warrants that may be issued on the exercise of the over-allotment option
granted to the underwriter pursuant to the unit offering described
below; and (iii) such
indeterminate number of additional common shares that may be issuable by reason of the
anti-dilution provisions contained in the warrant indenture governing the common share purchase
warrants. See Terms of Common Share Purchase Warrants.
On
February 14, 2007, we filed a short form prospectus with the securities commissions in
the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario and a registration statement on
Form F-10 10 (File No. 333-140460) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) relating to the
offering by us of units of the Company, each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of a
common share purchase warrant. The unit offering is expected to be completed on or about February
22, 2007. Each whole common share purchase warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one of our
common shares upon payment of Cdn.$3.50, subject to adjustment, at any time until 5:00 p.m.
(Calgary time) on the date that is 36 months from the date of the closing of the unit offering.
The exercise price of the common share purchase warrants was determined by negotiation between us
and Canaccord Capital Corporation, the underwriter for the unit offering. See Plan of
Distribution.
Our outstanding common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX)
under the trading symbol ONC and on the NASDAQ Capital Market (the NASDAQ) under the trading
symbol ONCY. The TSX has conditionally approved the listing of the common shares issuable on the
exercise of the common share purchase warrants. Listing is subject to us fulfilling all of the
requirements of the TSX on or before May 4, 2007. We have also provided the NASDAQ with the
necessary notification for the additional listing of the common shares issuable on the exercise of
the common share purchase warrants. Pursuant to its procedures, the NASDAQ has verbally confirmed
that it will not be objecting to the additional listing of such securities.
Investing in the common shares involves risks that are described in the Risk Factors section
beginning on page 4 of the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus.
This prospectus supplement registers the offering of the securities to which it relates under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S.
Securities Act), in accordance with the multi-jurisdictional
disclosure system adopted by
the SEC and the securities commission or similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces
of Canada. Other than in the province of Alberta, this prospectus supplement does not qualify the
distribution of the common shares in any province of Canada.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying short form base shelf
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We are permitted, under a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States,
to prepare this prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus in
accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements. You should be aware that such requirements are
different from those of the United States. We have prepared our financial statements included or
incorporated herein by reference in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles, and they are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor independence standards. Thus,
they may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies. Information
regarding the impact upon our financial statements of significant differences between Canadian and
United States generally accepted accounting principles is contained in the notes to the financial
statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form
base shelf prospectus.
You should be aware that the purchase of the common shares may have tax consequences both in
the United States and Canada. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base
shelf prospectus may not describe these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion
in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus. See Canadian
Federal Income Tax Considerations and United States Federal Income Tax Considerations in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus.
Your ability to enforce civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be
affected adversely by the fact that we are incorporated under the laws of Canada, the majority of
our officers, all of our directors and most of the experts named in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus are residents of Canada, and a substantial
portion of our assets and the assets of such persons are located outside the United States.
Our head office and principal place of business is located at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent
N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7. Our registered office is located at 4500 Bankers Hall East, 855 -
2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4K7.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT |
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DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS |
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SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE |
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DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT |
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TERMS OF COMMON SHARE PURCHASE WARRANTS |
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
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USE OF PROCEEDS |
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CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS |
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS |
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LEGAL
MATTERS AND INTERESTS OF EXPERTS |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE INFORMATION
IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes
the specific terms of the common shares being offered and also adds to and updates information
contained in the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus. The second part, the accompanying
short form base shelf prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to
the common shares being offered under this prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus. If the description of
the common shares varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base
shelf prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. We are not making an
offer of the common shares in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted by law. If anyone
provides you with any different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should
not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus is accurate as of any date other
than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement.
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
In this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus, unless
otherwise indicated, references to we, us, our, Oncolytics or the Corporation are to
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. All references to dollars, Cdn.$ or $ are to Canadian dollars and
all references to U.S.$ are to United States dollars.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles (Canadian GAAP), which differ from United States generally accepted accounting
principles (U.S. GAAP). Therefore, our financial statements incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and in the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus and in the documents
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying short form base
shelf prospectus may not be comparable to financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S.
GAAP. You should refer to Note 20 of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005
for a discussion of the principal differences between our financial results determined under
Canadian GAAP and under U.S. GAAP. For our financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, you should refer to our reconciliation of our
financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2006 to U.S. GAAP furnished to
S-1
the SEC on the Companys Current Report on Form 6-K dated February 5, 2007 and incorporated
into this prospectus by reference. See Documents Incorporated by Reference.
This prospectus supplement is deemed to be incorporated by reference into the accompanying
short form base shelf prospectus solely for the purposes of the offering of the common shares.
Other documents are also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
prospectus supplement and into the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus. See Documents
Incorporated by Reference in this prospectus supplement and Where You Can Find More Information
in the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus.
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements that we make contain forward-looking statements reflecting our current
beliefs, plans, estimates and expectations. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, clinical trial study
delays, product development delays, our ability to attract and retain business partners, future
levels of government funding, competition from other biotechnology companies and our ability to
obtain the capital required for research, product development, operations and marketing. These
factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on our
forward-looking statements. Actual events may differ materially from our current expectations due
to risks and uncertainties.
Our statements of belief, estimates, expectations and other similar statements are based
primarily upon our results derived to date from our research and development program with animals
and early stage human results and upon which we believe we have a reasonable scientific basis to
expect the particular results to occur. It is not possible to predict, based upon studies in
animals or early stage human results, whether a new therapeutic will be proved to be safe and
effective in humans. There can be no assurance that the particular result expected by us will
occur. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update
publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this prospectus supplement
or to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Information has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement from documents
filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents
incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from our Corporate
Secretary at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7 telephone (403) 670-7377.
In addition, copies of documents incorporated by reference may be obtained from the securities
commissions or similar authorities in Canada through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
We have filed the following documents with the securities commissions or similar regulatory
authorities in the provinces of Canada and such documents are specifically incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement:
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our Renewal Annual Information Form dated March 2, 2006, for the year ended December
31, 2005 (the AIF); |
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our Management Proxy Circular dated March 24, 2006 relating to the annual and
special meeting of shareholders held on April 26, 2006, excluding those portions which
are not prescribed by applicable securities laws; |
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our audited financial statements, together with the accompanying notes to the
financial statements, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the
auditors report thereon addressed to our shareholders; |
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our managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations dated March 2, 2006, for the year ended December 31, 2005; |
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our unaudited interim financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, together with the notes thereto; |
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our managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations dated November 2, 2006, for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2006; |
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the reconciliation of our financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 to U.S. GAAP, filed on February 5, 2007
under the heading Other; and |
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our material change report dated February 12, 2007 with respect to the unit offering. |
Any documents of the type required by National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus
Distributions of the Canadian Securities Administrators to be incorporated by reference in a short
form prospectus, including any annual information form, comparative annual financial statements and
the auditors report thereon, comparative interim financial statements, managements discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations, material change report (except a
confidential material change report), business acquisition report and information circular, if
filed by us with the securities commissions or similar authorities in the provinces of Canada after
the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of the distribution, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.
Any report filed by us with the SEC pursuant to section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus supplement shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus
supplement forms a part, if and to the extent expressly provided in such report.
Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference into this prospectus
modifies or supersedes that statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that
it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the
document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall
not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement when made,
constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a
material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading
in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this prospectus
supplement.
Upon a new annual information form and related annual financial statements being filed by us
with, and where required, accepted by, the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the
currency of this prospectus supplement, the previous annual information form and all annual
financial statements, interim financial statements, material change reports and information
circulars filed prior to the commencement of our financial year in which the new annual information
form is filed shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus for purposes of the common shares
offered hereunder.
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
The following documents have been filed with the SEC as part of the registration statement
on Form F-10 (File No. 333-140529) of which this prospectus supplement forms a part: the documents
referred to under Documents Incorporated by Reference (except the material change report dated
February 12, 2007, which has not been filed with the SEC), consent of Ernst & Young LLP, consent of
Bennett Jones LLP, and powers of attorney from our directors and officers.
The Warrant Indenture has been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 7.1 to the registration
statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-140460).
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TERMS OF COMMON SHARE PURCHASE WARRANTS
The common share purchase warrants are governed by an indenture (the Warrant Indenture)
entered into by us and Computershare Trust Company of Canada on February 12, 2007, as trustee for
the holders of the common share purchase warrants. The following is a summary of the material
attributes and characteristics of the common share purchase warrants. This summary does not, however, include a description of all
of the terms of the common share purchase warrants, and reference should be made to the Warrant
Indenture for a complete description of the terms of the common share purchase warrants.
Under the unit offering, 2,000,000 common share purchase warrants will be issued (2,300,000
common share purchase warrants if the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter is exercised
in full). Each whole common share purchase warrant will entitle the
holder to purchase one of
our common shares upon payment of Cdn. $3.50, subject to adjustment, at any time until 5:00 p.m.
(Calgary time) on the date that is 36 months from the date of the closing of the unit offering.
No U.S. Person (as that term is defined by Regulation S under the
U.S. Securities Act) or person holding common share purchase warrants
for the benefit of or for the account of a U.S. person will be
permitted to exercise common share purchase warrants during any
period of time prior to the expiration of date of the common share
purchase warrants during which a registration statement under the
U.S. Securities Act, relating to the common shares underlying the
common share purchase warrants, is not effective. As a condition to
closing the unit offering, we have agreed to use reasonable efforts
to maintain the registration statement on Form F-10 (File No.
333-140529) relating to the short form base shelf prospectus
accompanying this prospectus supplement, or another registration
statement relating to the common shares underlying the common share
purchase warrants, effective until the earlier of the expiration date
of the common share purchase warrants and the date on which no common
share purchase warrants remain outstanding. If a registration
statement under the U.S. Securities Act is not effective during such
period of time, we will notify the holders of the common share
purchase warrants in the United States, in accordance with the Warrant
Indenture.
Holders of common share purchase warrants will not have any voting rights or any other rights
which a holder of common shares would have (including, without limitation, the right to receive
notice of or to attend meetings of shareholders or any right to receive dividends or other
distributions). Holders of common share purchase warrants will have no pre-emptive rights to
acquire our securities. If all of the common share purchase warrants were exercised, we would be
required to issue 2,300,000 common shares (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances),
assuming exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter in connection with the
unit offering.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This prospectus supplement relates to the issuance of: (i) up to 2,000,000 of our common
shares, issuable from time to time, on exercise of 2,000,000 common share purchase warrants
expected to be issued by us on or about February 22, 2007 pursuant to the unit offering, (ii) up to
300,000 of our common shares issuable from time to time, on exercise of 300,000 common share
purchase warrants that may be issued on the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the
underwriter pursuant to the unit offering; and (iii) such indeterminate number of additional common
shares that may be issuable by reason of the anti-dilution provisions contained in the warrant
indenture governing the common share purchase warrants.
Each whole common share purchase warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one of our common
shares upon payment of Cdn.$3.50, subject to adjustment, at any time until 5:00 p.m. (Calgary time)
on the date that is 36 months from the date of the closing of the unit offering. The exercise price
of the common share purchase warrants was determined by negotiation between us and the underwriter.
On February 14, 2007, we filed a short form prospectus with the securities commissions in the
provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario and a registration statement on Form
F-10 (File No. 333-140460) with the SEC relating to the offering by us of the units, each unit consisting of one common
share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. The unit offering is expected to be
completed on or about February 22, 2007. In connection with the
unit offering, we entered into an underwriting
agreement dated February 6, 2007 with Canaccord Capital
Corporation, as underwriter, pursuant to which we agreed to
sell and the underwriter agreed to purchase from us up to 4,600,000 units (including up to 600,000 units
pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter in connection with
the unit offering), at a price of Cdn.$3.00 per unit.
On February 15, 2007, we filed the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus with the
Alberta Securities Commission and a registration statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-140529) with
the SEC relating to the offering by the Company from time to time during the 25 months that the
short form base shelf prospectus, including amendments thereto, remains valid of up to
Cdn.$12,000,000 of common shares. The shelf registration statement was declared effective by the
SEC on February 15, 2007. It is a condition of closing of the unit offering that the shelf
registration statement be declared effective by the SEC and that we file with the SEC this
prospectus supplement registering the offering of the common shares issuable from time to time on
the exercise of the common share purchase warrants.
This prospectus supplement registers the offering of the securities to which it relates under
the U.S. Securities Act, in accordance
with the multi-jurisdictional
disclosure system adopted by the SEC and the securities commission or similar regulatory authority
in each of the provinces of Canada. Other
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than the province of Alberta, this prospectus supplement does not qualify the distribution of
the common shares in any province of Canada.
Holders of common share purchase warrants resident in the United States who acquire common
shares pursuant to the exercise of common share purchase warrants in accordance with their terms
and under the accompanying short form base shelf prospectus and this prospectus supplement may have a right of
action against us for any misrepresentation in the accompanying base shelf prospectus and this
prospectus supplement. However, the existence and enforceability of such a right of action is not
without doubt. By contrast, holders of common share purchase warrants resident in Canada who may
acquire common shares pursuant to the exercise of common share purchase warrants in accordance with
their terms and who will be deemed to acquire such common shares under applicable Canadian
prospectus exemptions, will not have any such right of action.
The common shares to which this prospectus supplement relates will be sold directly by us to
holders of common share purchase warrants on the exercise of such common share purchase warrants.
No underwriters, dealers or agents will be involved in these sales.
United
States Securities Law Compliance
No U.S. Person or person holding common share purchase warrants on
behalf or for the account of a U.S. Person may exercise the common
share purchase warrants during any period of time when a registration
statement covering such common share is not effective. See
Terms of Common Share Purchase Warrants.
USE OF PROCEEDS
From time to time, when common share purchase warrants are exercised, we will receive proceeds
equal to the aggregate exercise price of such common share purchase warrants. Assuming that all of
the common share purchase warrants are exercised prior to the expiry time and that no adjustment
based on the anti-dilution provisions contained in the warrant indenture has taken place, the net
proceeds to us will be approximately $8,050,000. The net proceeds from the exercise of common
share purchase warrants will be used for general corporate purposes, including our clinical trial
program and our manufacturing activities in support of such program.
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In the opinion of Bennett Jones LLP (Counsel), the following is a general summary of the
principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to a purchase of common
shares acquired on the exercise of common share purchase warrants. This summary is based upon the
current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Tax Act), the regulations thereunder (the
"Regulations), all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act and the Regulations publicly announced
by the Government of Canada prior to the date hereof (the Proposed Amendments) and Counsels
understanding of the prevailing administrative views of the Canada Revenue Agency (the CRA).
This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and
except for the Proposed Amendments does not otherwise take into account any changes in law, whether
by legislative, governmental or judicial action, nor does it take into account or consider any
provincial, territorial or foreign income tax considerations. There can be no assurance that the
Proposed Amendments will be enacted in their current form or at all.
This summary is applicable only to investors who acquire such common shares on the exercise of
the common share purchase warrants and who for the purposes of the Tax Act and at all relevant
times, will hold the common shares and common share purchase warrants acquired as capital property,
deal at arms length, and are not affiliated with us and do not use or hold, and are not deemed to
use or hold, their common shares and common share purchase warrants in, or in the course of,
carrying on a business in Canada. Common shares and common share purchase warrants will generally
constitute capital property to an investor provided that the investor does not hold such securities
in the course of carrying on a business and has not acquired such securities in a transaction or
transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. This summary does
not apply to investors who are financial institutions or specified financial institutions for
the purposes of the Tax Act. Such investors should consult their own tax advisors for advice.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed
to be, legal or tax advice to any particular investor. Accordingly, all prospective investors are
urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
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Residents of Canada
This portion of the summary is applicable to an investor who, for the purposes of the Tax Act
and at all relevant times, is resident or is deemed to be resident in Canada. Certain investors
who are resident in Canada for the purposes of the Tax Act whose common shares might not otherwise
qualify as capital property may be entitled to make an irrevocable election in accordance with
subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act to have such common shares treated as capital property.
Allocation of Purchase Price
For the purposes of the Tax Act, the purchase price of each unit offered pursuant to the unit
offering must be allocated, on a reasonable basis, between the common share and the one-half of a
common share purchase warrant acquired on the acquisition of the unit in order to determine the
respective cost of the common share and the fractional common share purchase warrant to the
investor. Oncolytics believes that it is reasonable to allocate a nominal value of the purchase
price of each unit to the fractional common share purchase warrant. For this purpose, we will
allocate Cdn.$2.47 of the purchase price for each unit to the common
share purchase warrant and Cdn.$0.53 of
the purchase price for each unit to the one-half of one warrant. Purchasers will be required to
allocate, on a reasonable basis, the purchase price of a unit between the common share and the
one-half of a common share purchase warrant. However, such allocation is not binding upon the CRA.
The portion of the purchase price of each unit allocated to the common share and to the
one-half common share purchase warrant, respectively, will become an investors acquisition cost of
the common share and the one-half common share purchase warrant for income tax purposes. These
amounts must generally be averaged with the adjusted cost base of all other common shares and
common share purchase warrants, respectively, held by the investor as capital property to determine
the adjusted cost base of all such common shares and common share purchase warrants to the
investor.
Exercise of Common Share Purchase Warrants
An investor will not realize a gain or a loss upon the exercise of a common share purchase
warrant. For the purposes of the Tax Act, when a common share purchase warrant is exercised, the
investors adjusted cost base of the common share acquired thereby will (subject to averaging) be
the aggregate of the investors adjusted cost base of the common share purchase warrant and the
exercise price paid on the exercise of the common share purchase warrant.
Expiry of Common Share Purchase Warrants
The expiry of an unexercised common share purchase warrant will generally result in a capital
loss to the investor equal to the adjusted cost base of the common share purchase warrant
immediately prior to the expiry. The tax treatment of capital losses is described in greater
detail below under Treatment of Capital Gains and Capital Losses.
Disposition of Common Shares or Common Share Purchase Warrants
In general, a disposition, or a deemed disposition, of a common share, other than to us, or a
common share purchase warrant, other than on the exercise thereof, will give rise to a capital gain
(or a capital loss) in the taxation year of the disposition equal to the amount by which the
proceeds of disposition of the common share or common share purchase warrant, as the case may be,
net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of the
common share or common share purchase warrant, as the case may be, to the holder thereof. The tax
treatment of capital gains and capital losses are described in greater detail below under
Treatment of Capital Gains and Capital Losses.
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Treatment of Capital Gains and Capital Losses
In the year of disposition an investor will be required to include one-half of the amount of
any capital gain (a taxable capital gain) in income, and will be required to deduct one-half of
the amount of any capital loss (an allowable capital loss) against taxable capital gains realized
by the investor. Allowable capital losses not deducted in the taxation year in which they are
realized may be carried back and deducted in any of the three preceding taxation years or carried
forward and deducted in any subsequent taxation year against taxable capital gains realized in such
years, to the extent and under the circumstances specified in the Tax Act. A capital gain realized
by an investor who is an individual (including certain trusts) may give rise to alternative minimum
tax. A Canadian-controlled private corporation (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to an
additional 6-2/3% refundable tax under the Tax Act on certain investment income, including taxable
capital gains.
The amount of any capital loss realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of a common
share by an investor that is a corporation may be reduced by the amount of dividends received or
deemed to have been received by it on the common share to the extent and in the circumstances
prescribed by the Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where an investor that is a corporation is a
member of a partnership or is beneficiary of a trust that owns common shares and where common
shares are owned by a partnership or trust of which a partnership or trust is a partner or
beneficiary. Investors to whom these rules may be relevant should consult their own tax advisors.
Dividends
Dividends (including deemed dividends) received on common shares will be included in computing
the investors income. On June 29, 2006, the Government of Canada released draft legislation which
would provide for an enhanced dividend tax credit for eligible dividends (as discussed in such
draft legislation) paid by us on our common shares. In the case of an individual investor, such
dividends will generally be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally
applicable to dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations. In the case of a corporation,
such dividends will generally be deductible in computing the corporations taxable income. An
investor that is a private corporation, as defined in the Tax Act, or any other corporation
resident in Canada and controlled by or for the benefit of an individual (other than a trust) or a
related group of individuals (other than trusts) will generally be liable to pay a refundable tax
at the rate of 33-1/3% under Part IV of the Tax Act on dividends received (or deemed to be
received) on common shares to the extent such dividends are deductible in computing its taxable
income.
Non-Residents of Canada
This portion of the summary is applicable to an investor who, for the purposes of the Tax Act
and at all relevant times, is not, and has never been, resident in Canada and is not, and has never
been, deemed to be resident in Canada, does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold,
common shares in, or in the course of, carrying on business in Canada, and is not an insurer who
carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere (a Non-Resident Holder).
Allocation of the Purchase Price
A Non-Resident Holder will be required to allocate the purchase price of each unit between the
common share and the one-half of a common share purchase warrant in the same manner described above
under Residents of Canada Allocation of Purchase Price.
Disposition of Common Shares and Common Share Purchase Warrants
A Non-Resident Holder will be subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of a disposition of
common shares only to the extent such common shares constitute taxable Canadian property for
purposes of the Tax Act and the Non-Resident Holder is not afforded relief from such tax under an
applicable income tax treaty.
The common shares will normally not be taxable Canadian property at a particular time provided
that: (i) the common shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange at the particular time (which
includes the TSX); (ii) the
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Non-Resident Holder, persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder does not deal at arms length
(within the meaning of the Tax Act), or the Non-Resident Holder together with such persons, did not
own 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of Oncolytics at any time during the
60-month period preceding the particular time; and (iii) such common shares are not otherwise
deemed under the Tax Act to be taxable Canadian property at the particular time.
A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on the exercise of common
share purchase warrants. A disposition of common share purchase warrants (other than on the
exercise thereof) will be subject to tax under the Tax Act only to the extent that such common
share purchase warrants constitute taxable Canadian property for purposes of the Tax Act and the
Non-Resident Holder is not afforded relief under an applicable income tax treaty.
The common share purchase warrants will normally not be taxable Canadian property at a
particular time provided that: (i) the common shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange at
the particular time (which includes the TSX); (ii) the common share purchase warrants held by the
Non-Resident Holder, together with any other options or rights held by the Non-Resident Holder to
acquire our shares, were not exerciseable into 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or
series of Oncolytics at any time during the 60-month period preceding the particular time; and
(iii) the Non-Resident Holder, persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder does not deal at arms
length (within the meaning of the Tax Act), or the Non-Resident Holder together with such persons,
did not own 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of Oncolytics at any time
during the 60-month period preceding the particular time.
A Non-Resident Holder who is subject to tax under the Tax Act on a disposition of common
shares or common share purchase warrants will generally be required to compute such gains in the
same manner described above under Residents of Canada Disposition of Common Shares or Common
Share Purchase Warrants.
Dividends
Dividends paid or credited, or which are deemed to be paid or credited, on the common shares
will be subject to a Canadian non-resident withholding tax of 25%, subject to reduction of such
rate under an applicable income tax treaty. For example, Non-Resident Holders who are residents of
the United States for the purposes of the Canada-United States Tax Convention, 1980 will generally
have such rate of withholding reduced to 15% (or 5% if such Non-Resident Holder owns at least 10%
of the voting stock of Oncolytics).
Non-Resident Holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the tax implications of
acquiring common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants in their jurisdiction of
residence and the application of any bilateral income tax treaty between Canada and their
jurisdiction of residence.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of certain material anticipated U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition of
common shares acquired on the exercise of common share purchase warrants under this prospectus
supplement.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete
analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may apply to a U.S.
Holder as a result of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the exercise of warrants. In
addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any
particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S.
Holder. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or
U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. Each U.S. Holder should consult
its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income, U.S.
state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the
exercise of warrants.
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the
IRS) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the acquisition of common
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shares acquired on the exercise of warrants. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the
IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions
taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are
subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of
the positions taken in this summary.
Notice Pursuant To IRS Circular 230: Anything contained in this summary concerning any U.S.
federal tax issue is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by a U.S. Holder,
for the purpose of avoiding federal tax penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. This summary
was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transactions or matters addressed by this
prospectus supplement. Each U.S. Holder should seek U.S. federal tax advice, based on such U.S.
Holders particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury
Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published
administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America
with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the
Canada-U.S. Tax Convention), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as
in effect and available, as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Any of the authorities on
which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any
such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential
effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be
applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of warrants that, for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (b) a
corporation, or any other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state in the U.S., or the
District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income
tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected
to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) a U.S. court is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons
have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.
Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of warrants other than
a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S.
Holders of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the exercise of warrants. Accordingly, a
non-U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding
the U.S. federal income, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including the
potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) of the acquisition of common
shares acquired on the exercise of warrants.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to U.S.
Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following U.S.
Holders: (a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans,
individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are financial
institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment
companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are dealers in securities or currencies or U.S. Holders that are
traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that
have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that are liable for the
alternative minimum tax under the Code; (f) U.S. Holders that own units, warrants, or common shares
as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion
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transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (g)
U.S. Holders that acquired units, warrants, or common shares in connection with the exercise of
employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (h) U.S. Holders that hold units,
warrants, or common shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code; or (i) U.S. Holders that own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of the
total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of the Corporation. U.S. Holders that are
subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above,
should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the exercise of warrants.
If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds
warrants, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership and the partners of such
partnership generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and the status of such
partners. Partners of entities that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax
purposes should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S.
federal income tax consequences of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the exercise of
warrants.
Tax Consequences Other than U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, or
foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the
exercise of warrants. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or
accountant regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, and foreign tax
consequences of the acquisition of common shares acquired on the exercise of warrants.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exercise of Warrants
A U.S. Holder should not recognize gain or loss on the exercise of a warrant and related
receipt of a common share (except if cash is received in lieu of the issuance of a fractional
common share). A U.S. Holders initial tax basis in the common share received on the exercise of a
warrant should be equal to the sum of (a) such U.S. Holders tax basis in such warrant plus (b) the
exercise price paid by such U.S. Holder on the exercise of such warrant. A U.S. Holders holding
period for the common share received on the exercise of a warrant should begin on the date that
such warrant is exercised by such U.S. Holder.
Distributions on Common Shares
General Taxation of Distributions
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder that
receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to the common shares
will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without
reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current
or accumulated earnings and profits of the Corporation. To the extent that a distribution
exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Corporation, such distribution
will be treated (a) first, as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holders tax
basis in the common shares and, (b) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of such common
shares. (See more detailed discussion at Disposition of Common Shares below). Dividends paid on
the common shares generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction.
Reduced Tax Rates for Certain Dividends
For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, a dividend paid by the Corporation
generally will be taxed at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains if (a)
the Corporation is a qualified foreign corporation (as defined below), (b) the U.S. Holder
receiving such dividend is an individual, estate, or trust, and (c) such dividend is paid on common
shares that have been held by such U.S. Holder for at least 61 days during the 121-day period
beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date.
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The Corporation generally will be a qualified foreign corporation under Section 1(h)(11) of
the Code (a QFC) if (a) the Corporation is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax
Convention, or (b) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in
the U.S. However, even if the Corporation satisfies one or more of such requirements, the
Corporation will not be treated as a QFC if the Corporation is a passive foreign investment
company (as defined below) for the taxable year during which the Corporation pays a dividend or
for the preceding taxable year.
As discussed below, the Corporation anticipates that it may qualify as a passive foreign
investment company for the taxable year ending December 31, 2007 and subsequent taxable years,
depending on the assets and income of the Corporation over the course of the taxable year ending
December 31, 2007. (See more detailed discussion at Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S.
Holders Passive Foreign Investment Corporation below). Accordingly, there can be no assurances
that the Corporation will be a QFC for the current or any future taxable year or that the
Corporation will be able to certify that it is a QFC in accordance with the certification
procedures issued by the Treasury and the IRS.
If the Corporation is not a QFC, a dividend paid by the Corporation to a U.S. Holder,
including a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, generally will be taxed at
ordinary income tax rates (and not at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital
gains). The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial
advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividend rules.
Distributions Paid in Foreign Currency
The amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency generally will be equal
to the U.S. dollar value of such distribution based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of
receipt. A U.S. Holder that does not convert foreign currency received as a distribution into U.S.
dollars on the date of receipt generally will have a tax basis in such foreign currency equal to
the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency on the date of receipt. Such a U.S. Holder
generally will recognize ordinary income or loss on the subsequent sale or other taxable
disposition of such foreign currency (including an exchange for U.S. dollars).
Disposition of Common Shares
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of common
shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair
market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holders tax basis in the common shares
sold or otherwise disposed of. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed
below, any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term
capital gain or loss if the common shares are held for more than one year. Gain or loss recognized
by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares generally will be
treated as U.S. source for purposes of applying the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. (See more
detailed discussion at Foreign Tax Credit below).
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an
individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital
gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to
significant limitations under the Code.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with
respect to dividends received on the common shares generally will be entitled, at the election of
such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid.
Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability on a
dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holders income subject to U.S.
federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes
paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a taxable year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the
credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability
that such U.S. Holders foreign
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source taxable income bears to such U.S. Holders worldwide taxable income. In applying this
limitation, a U.S. Holders various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex
rules, as either foreign source or U.S. source. In addition, this limitation is calculated
separately with respect to specific categories of income. Dividends received on the common shares
generally will constitute foreign source income and generally will be categorized as passive
income. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own
financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Payments made within the U.S., or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, or
proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, common shares generally will be
subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, if a U.S. Holder
(a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holders correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on
Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the
IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup
withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has
furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such
U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, U.S. Holders that are
corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax
rules. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a
credit against a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if
such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS. Each U.S. Holder should consult its
own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the information reporting and backup
withholding tax rules.
Information Filing Required by Certain U.S. Holders
A U.S. Holder may be required to file Form 926 with the IRS if (a) immediately after the
exercise of the warrants, such U.S. Holder owns, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the total
voting power or the total value of the outstanding shares of the Corporation or (b) the exercise
price of the warrants, when aggregated with all other transfers of cash by such U.S. Holder (or any
person related to such U.S. Holder) to the Corporation within the preceding 12 month period,
exceeds U.S.$100,000. A U.S. Holder that fails to properly and timely file Form 926 with the IRS
generally will be subject to a penalty equal to 10% of the amount of cash transferred to the
corporation (subject to a maximum penalty of U.S.$100,000, unless the failure to file is due to
intentional disregard). The Form 926 filing requirement is subject to numerous limitations and
exceptions, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or
accountant regarding the information reporting requirements that may apply with respect to the
exercise of the warrants.
Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. Holders
If the Corporation is a passive foreign investment company (as defined below), the preceding
sections of this summary may not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders
of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Corporation
The Corporation generally will be a passive foreign investment company under Section 1297 of
the Code (a PFIC) if, for a taxable year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Corporation
for such taxable year is passive income or (b) on average, 50% or more of the assets held by the
Corporation either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based
on the fair market value of such assets (or on the adjusted tax basis of such assets, if the
Corporation is not publicly traded and either is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an
election). Passive income includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and
royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities
transactions. Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded
from passive income if substantially all of a foreign corporations commodities are (a) stock in
trade of such foreign corporation or other property of a kind which would properly be included in
inventory of such foreign corporation, or property held by such foreign corporation primarily for
sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, (b) property used in the trade or business of
such foreign corporation that would be subject to the allowance for depreciation under Section 167
of the Code, or (c) supplies of a type regularly used or consumed by such foreign corporation in
the ordinary course of its trade or business.
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For purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, if the Corporation owns,
directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another
corporation, the Corporation will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets
of such other corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such
other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described
above, passive income does not include any interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are
received or accrued by the Corporation from a related person (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of
the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person
that is not passive income.
In addition, if the Corporation is a PFIC and owns shares of another foreign corporation that
also is a PFIC, under certain indirect ownership rules, a disposition of the shares of such other
foreign corporation or a distribution received from such other foreign corporation generally will
be treated as an indirect disposition by a U.S. Holder or an indirect distribution received by a
U.S. Holder, subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed below. To the extent that
gain recognized on the actual disposition by a U.S. Holder of the common shares or income
recognized by a U.S. Holder on an actual distribution received on the common shares was previously
subject to U.S. federal income tax under these indirect ownership rules, such amount generally
should not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
The Corporation anticipates that it may qualify as a PFIC for the taxable year ending December
31, 2007 and for subsequent taxable years. Whether the Corporation will, in fact, qualify as a
PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2007 will depend on the assets and income of the
Corporation over the course of the taxable year ending December 31, 2007 and, as a result, cannot
be predicted with certainty as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Each U.S. Holder should
consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding whether the Corporation
will qualify as a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2007 and in subsequent taxable
years.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If the Corporation is a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the
acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder
makes an election to treat the Corporation as a qualified electing fund or QEF under Section
1295 of the Code (a QEF Election) or a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a
Mark-to-Market Election). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a
Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a Non-Electing U.S. Holder.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with
respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares and
(b) any excess distribution paid on the common shares. A distribution generally will be an excess
distribution to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received
in the current taxable year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three
preceding taxable years (or during a U.S. Holders holding period for the common shares, if
shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition
of common shares, and any excess distribution paid on the common shares, must be ratably allocated
to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the common shares. The amount of
any such gain or excess distribution allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders
holding period for the common shares (other than years prior to the first taxable year of the
Corporation beginning after December 31, 1986 for which the Corporation was not a PFIC) will be
subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax applicable to ordinary income in each such
prior year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be required to pay interest on the resulting tax
liability for each such prior year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such
prior year. Such a Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest
paid as personal interest, which is not deductible. The amount of any such gain or excess
distribution allocated to the current year of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for
the common shares will be treated as ordinary income in the current year, and no interest charge
will be incurred with respect to the resulting tax liability for the current year.
If the Corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder
holds common shares, the Corporation will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such
Non-Electing U.S. Holder,
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regardless of whether the Corporation ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent years. A
Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which
will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such common shares
were sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which the Corporation was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section
1291 of the Code discussed above. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject
to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holders pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the
Corporation, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the
ordinary earnings of the Corporation, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder.
Generally, net capital gain is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (b) net
short-term capital loss, and ordinary earnings are the excess of (a) earnings and profits over
(b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax on such amounts for each taxable year in which the Corporation is a PFIC, regardless of
whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Corporation. However, a
U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment
of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S.
Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as personal interest, which
is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from
the Corporation to the extent that such distribution represents earnings and profits of the
Corporation that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election
and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holders tax basis in the common shares to reflect the amount
included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In
addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss on
the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of
making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be
treated as timely if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holders holding
period for the common shares in which the Corporation was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely
QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a
U.S. federal income tax return for such first year. However, if the Corporation was a PFIC in a
prior year, then in addition to filing the QEF Election documents, a U.S. Holder must elect to
recognize (a) gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed
above) as if the common shares were sold on the qualification date or (b) if the Corporation was
also a CFC, such U.S. Holders pro rata share of the post-1986 earnings and profits of the
Corporation as of the qualification date. The qualification date is the first day of the first
taxable year in which the Corporation was a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The election to
recognize such gain or earnings and profits can only be made if such U.S. Holders holding period
for the common shares includes the qualification date. By electing to recognize such gain or
earnings and profits, such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF Election. In
addition, under very limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may make a retroactive QEF Election if
such U.S. Holder failed to file the QEF Election documents in a timely manner.
A QEF Election will apply to the taxable year for which such QEF Election is made and to all
subsequent taxable years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents
to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent
taxable year, the Corporation ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although
it will not be applicable) during those taxable years in which the Corporation is not a PFIC.
Accordingly, if the Corporation becomes a PFIC in another subsequent taxable year, the QEF Election
will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any
such subsequent taxable year in which the Corporation qualifies as a PFIC. In addition, the QEF
Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) with respect to a U.S. Holder
even after such U.S. Holder disposes of all of such U.S. Holders direct and indirect interest in
the common shares. Accordingly, if such U.S. Holder reacquires an interest in the Corporation,
such U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above for each taxable year in which
the Corporation is a PFIC.
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Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant
regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election. The Corporation will make
available to U.S. Holders, upon their request, timely and accurate information as to its status as
a PFIC and will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to a purchaser acquiring common
shares pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is a U.S. Holder all information that a
U.S. Holder making a QEF Election is required to obtain for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a person that holds an option, warrant, or other right
to acquire shares of a PFIC may not make a QEF Election that will apply to either (a) the option,
warrant, or other right or (b) the shares of the PFIC subject to the option, warrant, or other
right. In addition, under Treasury Regulations, if a person holds an option, warrant, or other
right to acquire shares of a PFIC, the holding period with respect to the shares of the PFIC
acquired on the exercise of such option, warrant, or other right will include the period that the
option, warrant, or other right was held.
Accordingly, a U.S. Holder of the warrants may not make a QEF Election that will apply to
either the warrants or the common shares subject to the warrants. The general effect of these
special rules is that (a) excess distributions paid on common shares acquired on exercise of the
warrants, and gains recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares acquired
on exercise of the warrants, will be spread over a U.S. Holders entire holding period for such
warrants and common shares (pursuant to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) and
(b) if a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election on the exercise of the warrants and receipt of the common
shares, that election generally will not be a timely QEF Election with respect to such common
shares (and the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will continue to apply). It
appears, however, that a U.S. Holder receiving common shares on the exercise of the warrants should
be eligible to make an effective QEF Election as of the first day of the taxable year of such U.S.
Holder beginning after the receipt of such common shares if such U.S. Holder also makes an election
to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above)
as if such common shares were sold on such date at fair market value. In addition, gain recognized
on the sale or other taxable disposition (other than by exercise) of the warrants by a U.S. Holder
will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. Each U.S. Holder should
consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the application of the
PFIC rules to the warrants and the common shares. received on exercise of the warrants.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the common shares are marketable
stock. The common shares generally will be marketable stock if the common shares are regularly
traded on a qualified exchange or other market. For this purpose, a qualified exchange or other
market includes (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or
supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that
(i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, surveillance, and
other requirements designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, remove
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free, open, fair, and orderly market, and protect
investors (and the laws of the country in which the foreign exchange is located and the rules of
the foreign exchange ensure that such requirements are actually enforced) and (ii) the rules of
such foreign exchange effectively promote active trading of listed stocks. If the common shares
are traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, the common shares generally will be
regularly traded for any calendar year during which the common shares are traded, other than in
de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally will not be subject to the rules
of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, if a U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market
Election after the beginning of such U.S. Holders holding period for the common shares and such
U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed
above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the common shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each
taxable year in which the Corporation is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the
fair market value of the
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common shares as of the close of such taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holders adjusted tax
basis in such common shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a
deduction in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holders
adjusted tax basis in the common shares over (ii) the fair market value of such common shares as of
the close of such taxable year or (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the amount included in ordinary
income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (ii) the amount allowed
as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S.
Holders tax basis in the common shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed
as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable
disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize
ordinary income or loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary
income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (b) the amount allowed
as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years).
A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the taxable year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is
made and to each subsequent taxable year, unless the common shares cease to be marketable stock
or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own
financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for
making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that,
subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to
recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of common shares that would otherwise be
tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the
specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in
which common shares are transferred.
Certain additional adverse rules will apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if the Corporation
is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example under Section
1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses common shares as security for a loan will, except
as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such
common shares.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor,
legal counsel, or accountant regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S.
federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.
LEGAL MATTERS AND INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
Certain legal matters relating to the offering of common shares on exercise of the common
share purchase warrants will be passed upon on our behalf by Bennett Jones LLP and Dorsey & Whitney
LLP. The partners and associates of each of Bennett Jones LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, as a
group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our securities.
Our financial statements as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 incorporated by reference into this
prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as indicated in their
report dated February 8, 2006 and are incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said report. Ernst & Young LLP has been our
auditor since inception in 1998.
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Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus
This short form prospectus has been filed under legislation in the province of Alberta that permits
certain information about these securities to be determined after this short form prospectus has
become final and that permits the omission from this short form prospectus of that information.
The legislation requires the delivery to purchasers of a prospectus supplement containing the
omitted information within a specified period of time after agreeing to purchase any of these
securities.
This short form prospectus constitutes a public offering of these securities only in those
jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein only by persons permitted to
sell such securities. No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these
securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise.
Information has been incorporated by reference in this short form prospectus from documents filed
with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated
herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from the Corporate Secretary of
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7
telephone (403) 670-7377. In addition, copies of documents incorporated by reference may be
obtained from the securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada through the SEDAR website
at www.sedar.com. See Documents Incorporated by Reference.
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New Issue
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Dated February 15, 2007 |
CDN. $12,000,000
COMMON SHARES
We may from time to time offer and issue our common shares, up to a total price of
Cdn. $12,000,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies or currency units) during the 25-month period
that this short form base shelf prospectus, including any amendments
hereto, remains valid. The distribution of
common shares may be effected from time to time in one or more
transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at
market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, or at prices related to such prevailing market prices
to be negotiated with purchasers and as set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
This
prospectus qualifies common shares, including common shares issuable
on exercise of the common share purchase warrants issued under the
Unit Offering (as described herein). The specific terms of any offering of common shares will be set out in the applicable
prospectus supplement, including the currency in which the common shares will be issued and any
other specific terms. A prospectus supplement may include specific terms pertaining to the common
shares that are not within the alternatives and parameters described
in this prospectus.
All shelf information permitted under applicable laws to be omitted from this prospectus will
be contained in one or more prospectus supplements that will be delivered to purchasers together
with this prospectus. Each prospectus supplement will be incorporated by reference into this
prospectus for the purposes of securities legislation as of the date of the prospectus supplement
and only for the purposes of the distribution of the common shares to which the prospectus
supplement pertains.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities nor passed upon the accuracy or
adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence.
We are permitted, under a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States,
to prepare this prospectus in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements. You should be
aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States. We have prepared our
financial statements included or incorporated herein by reference in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles, and they are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor
independence standards. Thus, they may
not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies.
Information regarding the impact upon our financial statements of significant
differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles is
contained in the notes to the financial statements incorporated by
reference in this prospectus.
You should be aware that the purchase of the common shares may have tax consequences both in
the United States and Canada. This prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement may not
describe these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion in this prospectus and
any applicable prospectus supplement. See Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations and United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Your ability to enforce civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be
affected adversely by the fact that we are incorporated under the laws of Canada, the majority of
our officers, all of our directors and most of the experts named in this prospectus are residents
of Canada, and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of such persons are located
outside the United States.
There are certain risk factors that should be carefully reviewed by prospective purchasers.
See Risk Factors.
Our outstanding common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol ONC and on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol ONCY.
We may sell the common shares to or through underwriters or dealers or directly to investors
or through agents. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering of common shares
will identify each person who may be deemed to be an underwriter with respect to such offering and
will set forth the terms of the offering of such common shares, including, to the extent
applicable, the initial public offering price, the proceeds that we will receive, the underwriting
discounts or commissions and any other discounts or concessions to be allowed or reallowed to
dealers. The managing underwriter or underwriters with respect to common shares sold to or through
underwriters will be named in the related prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in any
applicable prospectus supplement, the common shares will not be listed on any securities exchange.
See Plan of Distribution.
You
should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized
anyone to provide you with information different from that contained
in this prospectus.
Our head office and principal place of business is located at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent
N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1X7. Our registered office is located at 4500 Bankers Hall East, 855
2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4K7.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
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SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
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RISK FACTORS
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ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.
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OUR BUSINESS
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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CAPITALIZATION
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
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LEGAL MATTERS
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AUDITOR
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PURCHASERS STATUTORY RIGHTS
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AUDITORS CONSENT
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CERTIFICATE OF THE CORPORATION
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DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
In this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, unless otherwise indicated, references to
we, us, our, Oncolytics or the Corporation are to Oncolytics Biotech Inc. All references
to dollars, Cdn.$ or $ are to Canadian dollars and all references to U.S.$ are to United
States dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information included and incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is determined using Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles (Canadian GAAP), which differ from United States generally accepted accounting
principles (U.S. GAAP). Therefore, our financial statements incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, in any applicable prospectus supplement may not be comparable to financial statements
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should refer to Note 20 of our financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2005 for a discussion of the principal differences between our
financial results determined under Canadian GAAP and under U.S. GAAP. For our financial statements
as at September 30, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, you should
refer to our reconciliation of our financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2006 to U.S. GAAP furnished to the SEC on the Companys Current
Report on Form 6-K dated February 5, 2007 and incorporated into this prospectus by reference. See
Documents Incorporated by Reference.
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements that we make contain forward-looking statements reflecting our current
beliefs, plans, estimates and expectations. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, clinical trial study
delays, product development delays, our ability to attract and retain business partners, future
levels of government funding, competition from other biotechnology companies and our ability to
obtain the capital required for research, product development, operations and marketing. These
factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on our
forward-looking statements. Actual events may differ materially from our current expectations due
to risks and uncertainties.
Our statements of belief, estimates, expectations and other similar statements are based
primarily upon our results derived to date from our research and development program with animals
and early stage human
results and upon which we believe we have a reasonable scientific basis to expect the
particular results to occur. It is not possible to predict, based upon studies in animals or early
stage human results, whether a new therapeutic will be proved to be safe and effective in humans.
There can be no assurance that the particular result expected by us will occur. Except as required
by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking
statements for any reason after the date of this prospectus or to conform these statements to
actual results or to changes in our expectations.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Information has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus from documents filed with
securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated
herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from our Corporate Secretary at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7 telephone (403) 670-7377. In
addition, copies of documents incorporated by reference may be obtained from the securities
commissions or similar authorities in Canada through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
We have filed the following documents with the securities commissions or similar regulatory
authorities in the provinces of Canada and such documents are specifically incorporated by
reference in this prospectus:
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our Renewal Annual Information Form dated March 2, 2006, for the year ended December 31,
2005 (the AIF); |
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our Management Proxy Circular dated March 24, 2006 relating to the annual and special
meeting of shareholders held on April 26, 2006;
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our audited financial statements, together with the accompanying notes to the financial
statements, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the auditors report
thereon addressed to our shareholders; |
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our managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
dated March 2, 2006, for the year ended December 31, 2005; |
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our unaudited interim financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2006, together with the notes thereto; |
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our managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
dated November 2, 2006, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006; |
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the reconciliation of our financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2006 to U.S. GAAP, filed on February 5, 2007 under the
heading Other; and |
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our material change report dated February 12, 2007 with
respect to the Unit Offering. |
Any documents of the type required by National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus
Distributions of the Canadian Securities Administrators to be incorporated by reference in a short
form prospectus, including any annual information form, comparative annual financial statements and
the auditors report thereon, comparative interim financial statements, managements discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations, material change report (except a
confidential material change report), business acquisition report and information circular, if
filed by us with the securities commissions or similar authorities in the provinces of Canada after
the date of this prospectus shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
Any report filed by
us with the SEC pursuant to section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the United States Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, if and to the
extent expressly provided in such report.
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Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference into this
prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not
state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set
forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding
statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded
statement when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an
omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a
statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part
of this prospectus.
Upon a new annual information form and related annual financial statements being filed by us
with, and where required, accepted by, the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the
currency of this prospectus, the previous annual information form and all annual financial
statements, interim financial statements, material change reports and information circulars filed
prior to the commencement of our financial year in which the new annual information form is filed
shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus for purposes of
future offers and sales of common shares hereunder.
One or more prospectus supplements containing the specific variable terms for an issue of
common shares and other information in relation to such common shares will be delivered to
purchasers of such common shares together with this prospectus and will be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this prospectus as of the date of the prospectus supplement solely
for the purposes of the offering of the common shares covered by any such prospectus supplement.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-10 relating to the common
shares. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain
all of the information contained in the registration statement, certain items of which are
contained in the exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations
of the SEC. Statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus about the
contents of any contract, agreement or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete,
and in each instance, you should refer to the exhibits for a more complete description of the
matter involved. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
We file annual and quarterly financial information and material change reports and other
material with the SEC and with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in
Canada. Under a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States, documents and
other information that we file with the SEC may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure
requirements of Canada, which are different from those of the United States. You may read and copy
any document that we have filed with the SEC at the SECs public reference rooms in Washington,
D.C. and Chicago, Illinois. You may also obtain copies of those documents from the public
reference room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 by paying a fee. You
should call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or access its website at www.sec.gov for further information
about the public reference rooms. You may read and download some of the documents we have filed
with the SECs Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval system at www.sec.gov. You may read and
download any public document that we have filed with the securities commissions or similar
regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are a corporation existing under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). All of our
directors, the majority of our officers, and some of the experts
named in this prospectus, are
residents of Canada or otherwise reside outside the United States, and all, or a substantial
portion of their assets and a substantial portion of our assets, are located outside the United
States. We have appointed an agent for service of process in the United States, but it may be
difficult for holders of common shares who reside in the United States to effect service within the
United States upon those directors, officers and experts who are not residents of the United
States. It may also be difficult for holders of common shares who reside in the United States to
realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon our
civil liability and the civil liability of our directors, officers and experts under the United
States federal securities laws. We have been advised by our Canadian counsel, Bennett Jones LLP,
that a judgment of a United States court predicated solely upon civil liability under United States
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securities laws would probably be enforceable in Canada if the United States court in which
the judgment was obtained has a basis for jurisdiction in the matter that would be recognized by a
Canadian court for the same purposes. We have also been advised by Bennett Jones LLP, however,
that there is substantial doubt whether an action could be brought in Canada in the first instance
on the basis of liability predicated solely upon United States federal securities laws.
We filed with the SEC, concurrently with our registration statement on Form F-10, an
appointment of agent for service of process on Form F-X. Under the Form F-X, we appointed DL
Services, Inc. at 1420, Fifth Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle, Washington 98101 as our agent for
service of process in the United States in connection with any investigation or administrative
proceeding conducted by the SEC, and any civil suit or action brought against or involving us in a
United States court arising out of or related to or concerning the offering of the common shares
under this prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
A prospective purchaser of common shares should carefully consider the list of risk factors
set forth below as well as the other information contained in and incorporated by reference in this
prospectus before purchasing our common shares.
All of our potential products, including REOLYSIN®, are in the research and development stage and will require further development and testing before they can be marketed commercially.
Prospects for companies in the biotechnology industry generally may be regarded as uncertain
given the nature of the industry and, accordingly, investments in biotechnology companies should be
regarded as speculative. We are currently in the research and development stage on one product,
REOLYSIN®, for human application, the riskiest stage for a company in the biotechnology
industry. It is not possible to predict, based upon studies in animals and early stage human
clinical trials whether REOLYSIN® will prove to be safe and effective in humans.
REOLYSIN® will require additional research and development, including extensive
additional clinical testing, before we will be able to obtain the approvals of the relevant
regulatory authorities in applicable countries to market REOLYSIN® commercially. There
can be no assurance that the research and development programs we conducted will result in
REOLYSIN® or any other products becoming commercially viable products, and in the event
that any product or products result from the research and development program, it is unlikely they
will be commercially available for a number of years.
To achieve profitable operations we, alone or with others, must successfully develop,
introduce and market our products. To obtain regulatory approvals for products being developed for
human use, and to achieve commercial success, human clinical trials must demonstrate that the
product is safe for human use and that the product shows efficacy. Unsatisfactory results obtained
from a particular study relating to a program may cause us to abandon our commitment to that
program or the product being tested. No assurances can be provided that any current or future
animal or human test, if undertaken, will yield favourable results. If we are unable to establish
that REOLYSIN® is a safe, effective treatment for cancer, we may be required to abandon
further development of the product and develop a new business strategy.
There are inherent risks in pharmaceutical research and development.
Pharmaceutical research and development is highly speculative and involves a high and
significant degree of risk. The marketability of any product we develop will be affected by
numerous factors beyond our control, including:
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the discovery of unexpected toxicities or lack of sufficient efficacy of products
which make them unattractive or unsuitable for human use; |
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preliminary results as seen in animal and/or limited human testing may not be
substantiated in larger, controlled clinical trials; |
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manufacturing costs or other production factors may make manufacturing of products
ineffective, impractical and non-competitive; |
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proprietary rights of third parties or competing products or technologies may
preclude commercialization; |
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requisite regulatory approvals for the commercial distribution of products may not
be obtained; and |
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other factors may become apparent during the course of research, up-scaling or
manufacturing which may result in the discontinuation of research and other critical
projects. |
Our products under development have never been manufactured on a commercial scale, and there
can be no assurance that such products can be manufactured at a cost or in a quantity to render
such products commercially viable. Production and utilization of our products may require the
development of new manufacturing technologies and expertise. The impact on our business in the
event that new manufacturing technologies and expertise are required to be developed is uncertain.
There can be no assurance that we will successfully meet any of these technological challenges, or
others that may arise in the course of development.
Pharmaceutical products are subject to intense regulatory approval processes.
The regulatory process for pharmaceuticals, which includes preclinical studies and clinical
trials of each compound to establish its safety and efficacy, takes many years and requires the
expenditure of substantial resources. Moreover, if regulatory approval of a drug is granted, such
approval may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which it may be marketed. Failure to
comply with applicable regulatory requirements can, among other things, result in suspension of
regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal
prosecution. Further, government policy may change, and additional government regulations may be
established that could prevent or delay regulatory approvals for our products. In addition, a
marketed drug and its manufacturer are subject to continual review. Later discovery of previously
unknown problems with the product or manufacturer may result in restrictions on such product or
manufacturer, including withdrawal of the product from the market.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) in the United States and similar regulatory
authorities in other countries may deny approval of a new drug application if required regulatory
criteria are not satisfied, or may require additional testing. Product approvals may be withdrawn
if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product
reaches the market. The FDA and similar regulatory authorities in other countries may require
further testing and surveillance programs to monitor the pharmaceutical product that has been
commercialized. Non-compliance with applicable requirements can result in fines and other
judicially imposed sanctions, including product withdrawals, product seizures, injunction actions
and criminal prosecutions.
In addition to our own pharmaceuticals, we may supply active pharmaceutical ingredients and
advanced pharmaceutical intermediates for use in our customers drug products. The final drug
products in which the pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced pharmaceutical intermediates are
used, however, are subject to regulation for safety and efficacy by the FDA and other
jurisdictions, as the case may be. Such products must be approved by such agencies before they can
be commercially marketed. The process of obtaining regulatory clearance for marketing is uncertain,
costly and time consuming. We cannot predict how long the necessary regulatory approvals will take
or whether our customers will ever obtain such approval for their products. To the extent that our
customers do not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for marketing new products, our product
sales could be adversely affected.
The FDA and other governmental regulators have increased requirements for drug purity and have
increased environmental burdens upon the pharmaceutical industry. Because pharmaceutical drug
manufacturing is a highly regulated industry, requiring significant documentation and validation of
manufacturing processes and quality control assurance prior to approval of the facility to
manufacture a specific drug, there can be considerable transition time between the initiation of a
contract to manufacture a product and the actual initiation of manufacture of that product. Any lag
time in the initiation of a contract to manufacture product and the actual initiation of
manufacture could cause us to lose profits or incur liabilities.
The pharmaceutical regulatory regime in Europe and other countries is, by and large, generally
similar to that of the United States. We could face similar risks in these other jurisdictions, as
the risks described above.
- 5 -
Our operations and products may be subject to other government manufacturing and testing
regulations.
Securing regulatory approval for the marketing of therapeutics by the FDA in the United States
and similar regulatory agencies in other countries is a long and expensive process, which can delay
or prevent product development and marketing. Approval to market products may be for limited
applications or may not be received at all.
The products we anticipate manufacturing will have to comply with the FDAs current Good
Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and other FDA, and local government guidelines and regulations,
including other international regulatory requirements and guidelines. Additionally, certain of our
customers may require the manufacturing facilities contracted by us to adhere to additional
manufacturing standards, even if not required by the FDA. Compliance with cGMP regulations requires
manufacturers to expend time, money and effort in production, and to maintain precise records and
quality control to ensure that the product meets applicable specifications and other requirements.
The FDA and other regulatory bodies periodically inspect drug-manufacturing facilities to ensure
compliance with applicable cGMP requirements. If the manufacturing facilities contracted by us fail
to comply with the cGMP requirements, the facilities may become subject to possible FDA or other
regulatory action and manufacturing at the facility could consequently be suspended. We may not be
able to contract suitable alternative or back-up manufacturing facilities on terms acceptable to us
or at all.
The FDA or other regulatory agencies may also require the submission of any lot of a
particular product for inspection. If the lot product fails to meet the FDA requirements, then the
FDA could take any of the following actions: (i) restrict the release of the product; (ii) suspend
manufacturing of the specific lot of the product; (iii) order a recall of the lot of the product;
or (iv) order a seizure of the lot of the product.
We are subject to regulation by governments in many jurisdictions and, if we do not comply
with healthcare, drug, manufacturing and environmental regulations, among others, our existing and
future operations may be curtailed, and we could be subject to liability.
In addition to the regulatory approval process, we may be subject to regulations under local,
provincial, state, federal and foreign law, including requirements regarding occupational health,
safety, laboratory practices, environmental protection and hazardous substance control, and may be
subject to other present and future local, provincial, state, federal and foreign regulations.
The biotechnology industry is extremely competitive and we must successfully compete with larger companies with substantially greater resources.
Technological competition in the pharmaceutical industry is intense and we expect competition
to increase. Other companies are conducting research on therapeutics involving the Ras pathway as
well as other novel treatments or therapeutics for the treatment of cancer which may compete with
our product. Many of these competitors are more established, benefit from greater name recognition
and have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. In addition,
many of these competitors have significantly greater experience in undertaking research,
preclinical studies and human clinical trials of new pharmaceutical products, obtaining regulatory
approvals and manufacturing and marketing such products. In addition, there are several other
companies and products with which we may compete from time to time, and which may have
significantly better and larger resources than us. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in
manufacturing and/or commercializing products more rapidly or effectively, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We anticipate that we will face increased competition in the future as new products enter the
market and advanced technologies become available. There can be no assurance that existing
products or new products developed by our competitors will not be more effective, or be more
effectively manufactured, marketed and sold, than any that may be developed or sold by us.
Competitive products may render our products obsolete and uncompetitive prior to recovering
research, development or commercialization expenses incurred with respect to any such products.
We rely on patents and proprietary rights to protect our technology.
Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to obtain patents, maintain trade secret
protection and operate without infringing the rights of third parties. We have patents in the
United States, Canada and Europe and
- 6 -
have filed applications for patents in the United States and under the PCT, allowing us to
file in other jurisdictions. See Narrative Description Patent and Patent Application Summary
in the AIF and Recent Developments New Patents in this prospectus. Our success will depend,
in part, on our ability to obtain, enforce and maintain patent protection for our technology in
Canada, the United States and other countries. We cannot be assured that patents will issue from
any pending applications or that claims now or in the future, if any, allowed under issued patents
will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. In addition, no assurance can be given that
any patents issued to or licensed by us will not be challenged, invalidated, infringed or
circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide continuing competitive advantages
to us.
The patent positions of pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, including us, are generally
uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. In addition, it is not known whether any
of our current research endeavours will result in the issuance of patents in Canada, the United
States, or elsewhere, or if any patents already issued will provide significant proprietary
protection or will be circumvented or invalidated. Since patent applications in the United States
and Canada may be maintained in secrecy until at least 18 months after filing of the original
priority application, and since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature
tends to lag behind actual discoveries by several months, we cannot be certain that we or any
licensor were the first to create inventions claimed by pending patent applications or that we or
the licensor was the first to file patent applications for such inventions. Loss of patent
protection could lead to generic competition for these products, and others in the future, which
would materially and adversely affect our financial prospects for these products.
Similarly,
since patent applications filed before November 29, 2000 in the United States may
be maintained in secrecy until the patents issue or foreign counterparts, if any, publish, we
cannot be certain that we or any licensor were the first creator of inventions covered by pending
patent applications or that we or such licensor were the first to file patent applications for such
inventions. There is no assurance that our patents, if issued, would be held valid or enforceable
by a court or that a competitors technology or product would be found to infringe such patents.
Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain and enforce effective patents to protect our
proprietary rights from use by competitors, and the patents of other parties could require us to
stop using or pay to use certain intellectual property, and as such, our competitive position and
profitability could suffer as a result.
In addition, we may be required to obtain licenses under patents or other proprietary rights
of third parties. No assurance can be given that any licenses required under such patents or
proprietary rights will be available on terms acceptable to us. If we do not obtain such licenses,
we could encounter delays in introducing one or more of our products to the market while we attempt
to design around such patents, or could find that the development, manufacture or sale of products
requiring such licenses could be foreclosed. In addition, we could incur substantial costs in
defending ourselves in suits brought against us on such patents or in
suits in which we attempt
to enforce our own patents against other parties.
Our products may fail or cause harm, subjecting us to product liability claims, which are uninsured.
The sale and use of our products entail risk of product liability. We currently do not have
any product liability insurance. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain
appropriate levels of product liability insurance prior to any sale of our pharmaceutical products.
An inability to obtain insurance on economically feasible terms or to otherwise protect against
potential product liability claims could inhibit or prevent the commercialization of products
developed by us. The obligation to pay any product liability claim or a recall of a product could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects.
We have limited manufacturing experience and intend to rely on third parties to commercially manufacture our products, if and when developed.
To date, we have relied upon a contract manufacturer to manufacture small quantities of
REOLYSIN®. The manufacturer may encounter difficulties in scaling up production, including
production yields, quality control and quality assurance. Only a limited number of manufacturers
can supply therapeutic viruses and failure by the manufacturer to deliver the required quantities
of REOLYSIN® on a timely basis at a commercially reasonable price may have a material adverse
affect on us. We have completed a program for the development of a commercial process for
manufacturing REOLYSIN® and have filed a number of patent applications related to the process.
There can be no assurance that we will successfully obtain sufficient patent protection related to
our manufacturing process.
- 7 -
New products may not be accepted by the medical community or consumers.
Our primary activity to date has been research and development and we have no experience in
marketing or commercializing products. We will likely rely on third parties to market our
products, assuming that they receive regulatory approvals. If we rely on third parties to market
our products, the commercial success of such product may be outside of our control. Moreover,
there can be no assurance that physicians, patients or the medical community will accept our
product even if it proves to be safe and effective and is approved for marketing by Health Canada,
the FDA and other regulatory authorities. A failure to successfully market our product would have
a material adverse affect on our revenue.
Our technologies may become obsolete.
The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapidly changing markets, technology, emerging
industry standards and frequent introduction of new products. The introduction of new products
embodying new technologies, including new manufacturing processes, and the emergence of new
industry standards may render our products obsolete, less competitive or less marketable. The
process of developing our products is extremely complex and requires significant continuing
development efforts and third party commitments. Our failure to develop new technologies and
products and the obsolescence of existing technologies could adversely affect our business.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in our potential customer requirements that could make
our existing technology obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to
enhance our existing technologies, develop new technology that addresses the increasing
sophistication and varied needs of the market, and respond to technological advances and emerging
industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. The development of our
proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks. We may not be successful
in using our new technologies or exploiting our niche markets effectively or adapting our
businesses to evolving customer or medical requirements or preferences or emerging industry
standards.
We are highly dependent on third party relationships for research and clinical trials.
We rely upon third party relationships for assistance in the conduct of research efforts,
pre-clinical development and clinical trials, and manufacturing. In addition, we expect to rely on
third parties to seek regulatory approvals for and to market our product. Although we believe that
our collaborative partners will have an economic motivation to commercialize our product included
in any collaborative agreement, the amount and timing of resources diverted to these activities
generally is expected to be controlled by the third party. Furthermore, if we cannot maintain
these relationships, our business may suffer.
We have no operating revenues and a history of losses.
To date, we have not generated operating revenues to offset our research and development costs
and accordingly have not generated positive cash flow or made an operating profit. As of December
31, 2005, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $50.7 million and as at September 30,
2006, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $60.1 million. We have incurred net losses of
approximately $12.8 million, $13.0 million, and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2005,
2004, and 2003, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we incurred a net loss
of approximately $9.4 million. We anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses
during 2007 and in the foreseeable future. We will not reach profitability until after successful
commercialization of one or more of our products. Even if one or more of our products are
profitably commercialized, the initial losses incurred by us may never be recovered.
We may need additional financing in the future to fund the research and development of our
products and to meet our ongoing capital requirements.
As at December 31, 2005, we had cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments)
of $40.4 million and working capital of approximately $39.3 million. As at September 30, 2006, we
had cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments) of $31.5 million and working
capital of approximately $30.4 million. We believe our existing capital resources are adequate to
fund our current plans for research and development activities well into 2008 without the use of
the proceeds from this offering. We anticipate that we may need additional financing in the future
to fund research and development and to meet our ongoing capital requirements. The amount of
future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including continued scientific progress in
- 8 -
our drug discovery and development programs, progress in our pre-clinical and clinical
evaluation of drug candidates, time and expense associated with filing, prosecuting and enforcing
our patent claims and costs associated with obtaining regulatory approvals. In order to meet such
capital requirements, we will consider contract fees, collaborative research and development
arrangements, and additional public or private financings (including the incurrence of debt and the
issuance of additional equity securities) to fund all or a part of particular programs as well as
potential partnering or licensing opportunities. There can be no assurance that additional funding
will be available or, if available, that it will be available on commercially acceptable terms. If
adequate funds are not available on terms favorable to us, we may have to reduce substantially or
eliminate expenditures for research and development, testing, production and marketing of our
proposed product, or obtain funds through arrangements with corporate partners that require us to
relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or product. There can be no assurance that we
will be able to raise additional capital if our current capital resources are exhausted.
The cost of director and officer liability insurance may increase substantially and may
affect our ability to retain quality directors and officers.
We carry liability insurance on behalf of our directors and officers. Given a number of large
director and officer liability insurance claims in the U.S. equity markets, director and officer
liability insurance has become increasingly more expensive with increased restrictions.
Consequently, there is no assurance that we will continue to be offered this insurance or be able
to obtain adequate coverage. The inability to acquire the appropriate insurance coverage will
limit our ability to attract and maintain directors and officers as required to conduct our
business.
We are dependent on our key employees and collaborators.
Our ability to develop the product will depend, to a great extent, on our ability to attract
and retain highly qualified scientific personnel and to develop and maintain relationships with
leading research institutions. Competition for such personnel and relationships is intense. We
are highly dependent on the principal members of our management staff, as well as our advisors and
collaborators, the loss of whose services might impede the achievement of development objectives.
The persons working with us are affected by a number of influences outside of our control. The
loss of key employees and/or key collaborators may affect the speed and success of product
development.
We presently carry key man insurance in the amounts of $1,500,000, $1,000,000 and $500,000 for
Dr. Thompson, Dr. Coffey and Mr. Ball, respectively.
Our share price may be highly volatile.
Market prices for securities of biotechnology companies generally are volatile. This
increases the risk of securities litigation. Factors such as announcements (publicly made or at
scientific conferences) of technological innovations, new commercial products, patents, the
development of proprietary rights, results of clinical trials, regulatory actions, publications,
quarterly financial results, our financial position, public concern over the safety of
biotechnology, future sales of shares by us or our current shareholders and other factors could
have a significant effect on the market price and volatility of the common shares.
We incur some of our expenses in foreign currencies and therefore we are exposed to foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We incur some of our manufacturing, clinical and consulting expenses in foreign currencies (to
date mainly in the U.S. and the U.K.). Over the past year the Canadian dollar has appreciated to
these currencies thereby decreasing the Canadian dollar equivalent. However, if this trend
reverses, our Canadian dollar equivalent costs will increase.
Also, as we expand to other foreign jurisdictions there may be an increase in our foreign
exchange exposure.
- 9 -
We earn interest income on our excess cash reserves and are exposed to changes in interest
rates.
We invest our excess cash reserves in investment vehicles that provide a rate of return with
little risk to principal. As interest rates change the amount of interest income we earn will be
directly impacted.
We believe we are a passive foreign investment company, which may have a material affect on
U.S. holders.
We believe we are a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), which may have a material
affect on U.S. holders. United States income tax legislation contains rules governing PFICs, which
can have significant tax effects on U.S. holders of foreign corporations. A U.S. holder who holds
stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is
subject to United States federal income taxation under one of two alternative tax regimes at the
election of each such U.S. holders. The U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. holder of
the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares will depend on whether such U.S.
holder makes an election to treat the Corporation as a qualified electing fund or QEF under
Section 1295 of the Code (a QEF Election) or a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the
Code (a Mark-to-Market Election). You should consult your tax advisor as to the consequences of
acquiring, owning or disposing of our common shares.
ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC.
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. was incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the Business
Corporations Act (Alberta) on April 2, 1998 as 779738 Alberta Ltd. On April 8, 1998, we amended
our articles and changed our name to Oncolytics Biotech Inc. On July 29, 1999, we amended
our articles by removing the private company restrictions and subdividing our issued and
outstanding 2,222,222 common shares to create 6,750,000 common shares.
On February 9, 2007, we further amended our articles to permit for
our shareholder meetings to be held at any place in Alberta or at any
other location as determined by our directors.
Our head office and
principal place of business is located at 210, 1167 Kensington Crescent N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N
1X7. Our registered office is located at 4500 Bankers Hall East, 855 2nd Street S.W., Calgary,
Alberta T2P 4K7.
OUR BUSINESS
We focus on the discovery and development of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancers
that have not been successfully treated with conventional therapeutics. Recent scientific advances
in oncology, virology, and molecular biology have created opportunities for new approaches to the
treatment of cancer. The product we are presently developing may represent a novel treatment for
Ras mediated cancers which can be used as an alternative to existing cytotoxic or cytostatic
therapies, as an adjuvant therapy to conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical
resections. It could also potentially be used to treat certain cellular proliferative disorders
for which no current therapy exists.
Our technologies are based primarily on discoveries in the Department of Microbiology and
Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary in the 1990s. Oncolytics was formed in 1998 to
explore the natural oncolytic capability of the reovirus, a virus that preferentially replicates in
cells with an activated Ras pathway.
The lead product being developed by us may represent a novel treatment for certain tumour
types and some cellular proliferative disorders. Our lead product is a virus that is able to
replicate specifically in, and hence kill, certain tumour cells both in tissue culture as well as
in a number of animal models without damaging normal cells.
Our potential product for human use, REOLYSIN®, is developed from the reovirus.
This virus has been demonstrated to replicate specifically in tumour cells bearing an activated Ras
pathway. Activating mutations of Ras occur in approximately thirty
per cent of all human tumours
directly, but considering its central role in signal transduction, activation of the Ras pathway
may play a role in approximately two-thirds of all tumours.
The functionality of REOLYSIN® is based upon the finding that tumours bearing an
activated Ras pathway are deficient in their ability to activate the anti-viral response mediated
by the host cellular protein, Protein Kinase R (PKR). Since PKR is responsible for preventing
reovirus replication, tumour cells lacking the activity of PKR are susceptible to reovirus
infections. As normal cells do not possess Ras activations, these cells are able to thwart
reovirus infections by the activity of PKR. In a tumour cell with an activated Ras pathway,
reovirus is able to freely replicate and hence kill the host tumour cell. The result of this
replication is progeny viruses that are then free to infect surrounding cancer cells. This cycle
of infection, replication and cell death is believed to be repeated until there are no longer any
tumour cells carrying an activated Ras pathway available.
- 10 -
The following schematic illustrates the molecular basis of how the reovirus kills cancer
cells.
For both non-cancer cells and cancer cells with an activated Ras pathway, virus binding,
entry, and production of viral genes all proceed normally. In the case of normal cells however,
the viral genes cause the activation of the anti-viral response that is mediated by the host cells
PKR, thus blocking the replication of the reovirus. In cells with an activated Ras pathway, the
activation of PKR is prevented or reversed by an element of the Ras signal transduction pathway,
thereby allowing the replication of the reovirus in these cancer cells. The end result of this
replication is the death of the cancer cell. The action of the Ras pathway in allowing reovirus
replication to ensue can be mimicked in non-cancerous cells by treating these cells with the
chemical 2-aminopurine (2-AP) which prevents the activation of PKR.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
REOLYSIN® Development
We continue to develop our lead product REOLYSIN® as a possible cancer therapy.
Our goal each year is to advance REOLYSIN® through the various steps and stages of
development required for potential pharmaceutical products. In order to achieve this goal, we
actively manage the development of our clinical trial program, our pre-clinical and collaborative
programs, our manufacturing process, REOLYSIN® supply, and our intellectual property.
Clinical Trial Program
We are directing a broad clinical trial program with the objective of developing
REOLYSIN® as a human cancer therapeutic. The clinical program includes human trials
using REOLYSIN® alone and in combination with radiation and chemotherapy, and delivered
via local administration and/or intravenous administration.
Based on indications of activity in our clinical trial program to date, Oncolytics Phase II
clinical trial program may include combination chemotherapy/REOLYSIN® trials including
colorectal, prostate, pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer, and combination radiation/
REOLYSIN® trials in a number of tumour types. In addition, the U.S. National Cancer
Institute (NCI) has solicited proposals to conduct two trials using REOLYSIN® as a
monotherapy for melanoma and ovarian cancers.
- 11 -
Clinical Trial Chart
The following chart shows the states of clinical trials that have been completed or that are in
progress.
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Trial Program and Cancer |
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|
Delivery Method |
|
Indication |
|
Location |
|
Status |
Intravenous administration in combination with gemcitabine
|
|
pancreatic, lung, ovarian
|
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United Kingdom
|
|
Approval to commence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intravenous administration in combination with docetaxel
|
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bladder, prostate, lung, upper gastro-intestinal
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
Approval to commence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intravenous
administration in
combination with
paclitaxel and
carboplatin
|
|
melanoma, lung, ovarian
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
Approval to commence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local therapy in combination with radiation
|
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Phase II various metastatic tumours, including head & neck
|
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United Kingdom
|
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Ongoing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local therapy in combination with radiation
|
|
Phase I various metastatic tumours
|
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United Kingdom
|
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Phase Ia complete Phase Ib ongoing |
|
|
|
|
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Infusion monotherapy
|
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Phase I/II recurrent malignant gliomas |
|
United States
|
|
Ongoing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intravenous administration monotherapy
|
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Phase I various metastatic tumours |
|
United Kingdom
|
|
Complete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intravenous administration monotherapy |
|
Phase I various metastatic tumours
|
|
United States
|
|
Complete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local monotherapy
|
|
Phase I recurrent malignant gliomas |
|
Canada
|
|
Complete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local monotherapy |
|
T2 prostate cancer
|
|
Canada
|
|
Complete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local monotherapy
|
|
Phase I trial for various subcutaneous tumours
|
|
Canada
|
|
Complete |
U.K. Combination Gemcitabine and REOLYSIN® Clinical Trial
In January 2007, we received approval from the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (the MHRA) to begin a clinical trial using intravenous administration of
REOLYSIN® in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar®) in patients with advanced
cancers including pancreatic, lung and ovarian. The trial has two components. The first is an
open-label, dose-escalating, non-randomized study of REOLYSIN® given intravenously with
gemcitabine every three weeks. A standard dosage of gemcitabine will be delivered with escalating
dosages of REOLYSIN®. A maximum of three cohorts will be enrolled in the
REOLYSIN® dose escalation portion. The second component of the trial will immediately
follow and will include the enrolment of a further 12 patients at the maximum dosage of
REOLYSIN® in combination with a standard dosage of gemcitabine. Eligible patients
include those who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid tumours including
pancreatic, lung and ovarian cancers that are refractory (have not responded) to standard therapy
or for which no curative standard therapy exists. The primary objective of the trial is to
determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD), Dose-Limiting
Toxicity (DLT), recommended dose and dosing schedule and safety profile of
REOLYSIN® when administered in combination with gemcitabine. Secondary objectives
include the evaluation of immune response to the drug combination, the bodys response to the drug
combination compared to chemotherapy alone and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
U.K. Combination Docetaxel and REOLYSIN® Clinical Trial
In January 2007, we received approval from the MHRA for our Clinical Trial Application to
begin a clinical trial using intravenous administration of REOLYSIN® in combination with
docetaxel (Taxotere®) in patients
with advanced cancers including bladder, prostate, lung and upper gastro-intestinal. The
trial has two components. The first is an open-label, dose-escalating, non-randomized study of
REOLYSIN® given intravenously with docetaxel every three weeks. A standard dosage of
docetaxel will be delivered with escalating dosages of REOLYSIN®. A maximum of three
cohorts will be enrolled in the REOLYSIN® dose escalation portion. The second component
of the trial will immediately follow and will include the enrolment of a further 12 patients at the
- 12 -
maximum dosage of REOLYSIN® in combination with a standard dosage of docetaxel.
Eligible patients include those who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid tumours
such as bladder, lung, prostate or upper gastro-intestinal cancers that are refractory (have not
responded) to standard therapy or for which no curative standard therapy exists. The primary
objective of the trial is to determine the MTD, DLT, recommended dose and dosing schedule and safety profile of REOLYSIN® when
administered in combination with docetaxel. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of immune
response to the drug combination, the bodys response to the drug combination compared to
chemotherapy alone and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
U.K. Combination Paclitaxel and Carboplatin with REOLYSIN® Clinical Trial
In December 2006, the MHRA approved a clinical trial using intravenous administration of
REOLYSIN® in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced
cancers including melanoma, lung and ovarian. The trial has two components. The first is an
open-label, dose-escalating, non-randomized study of REOLYSIN® given intravenously with
paclitaxel and carboplatin every three weeks. Standard dosages of paclitaxel and carboplatin will
be delivered with escalating dosages of REOLYSIN®. A maximum of three cohorts will be
enrolled in the REOLYSIN® dose escalation portion. The second component of the trial
will immediately follow and will include the enrolment of a further 12 patients at the maximum
dosage of REOLYSIN® in combination with standard dosages of paclitaxel and carboplatin.
Eligible patients include those who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid tumours
including melanoma, lung and ovarian that are refractory (have not responded) to standard therapy
or for which no curative standard therapy exists. The primary objective of the trial is to
determine the MTD, DLT, recommended dose and dosing schedule and safety profile of
REOLYSIN® when administered in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Secondary
objectives include the evaluation of immune response to the drug combination, the bodys response
to the drug combination compared to chemotherapy alone and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
U.K.
Phase II Combination
REOLYSIN®/Radiation Clinical Trial
In December 2006, we commenced enrolment in our Phase II U.K. clinical trial to evaluate the
anti-tumour effects of intratumoural administration of REOLYSIN® in combination with
low-dose radiation in patients with advanced cancers.
The trial is an open-label, single-arm, multi-centre Phase II study of REOLYSIN®
delivered via intratumoural injection to patients during treatment with low-dose radiotherapy. Up
to 40 evaluable patients, including approximately 20 patients with head and neck and esophageal
cancers, and approximately 20 patients with other advanced cancers, will be treated with two
intratumoural doses of REOLYSIN® at 1x1010 TCID50 with a constant
localized radiation dose of 20 Gy in five consecutive daily fractions. Eligible patients include
those who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic cancers including head, neck and
esophageal tumours that are refractory (have not responded) to standard therapy or for which no
curative standard therapy exists.
The primary objective of the trial is to assess the anti-tumour activity of the combination of
REOLYSIN® and low dose radiotherapy in treated and untreated lesions. Secondary
objectives include the evaluation of viral replication, immune response to the virus and to
determine the safety and tolerability of intratumoural administration of REOLYSIN® in
patients with advanced cancers who are receiving radiation treatment.
U.K. Phase Ia/Ib Combination REOLYSIN®/Radiation Clinical Trial
During the third quarter of 2006, we commenced patient enrolment in our Phase Ib U.K. clinical
trial investigating REOLYSIN® in combination with radiation therapy as a treatment for
patients with advanced cancers. The Phase Ib trial will treat patients with a range of two to six
intratumoural doses of REOLYSIN® at 1x1010 TCID50 with a constant
radiation dose of 36 Gy in 12 fractions.
The
primary objective of our Phase Ib trial is to determine the MTD, DLT, and safety profile of REOLYSIN® when administered intratumourally to
patients receiving radiation
treatment. A secondary objective is to examine any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
Eligible patients include those who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid tumours
that are refractory (have not responded) to standard therapy or for which no curative standard
therapy exists. An additional group of patients is planned to be treated at the maximum dose
regimen reached in the Ib trial.
- 13 -
Patient enrolment in our Ia combination REOLYSIN®/radiation trial was completed in
June 2006. The Phase Ia trial tested two intratumoural treatments of REOLYSIN® at
dosages of 1x108, 1x109, or 1x1010 TCID50 with a
constant localized radiation dose of 20 Gy given in five fractions. A maximum tolerated dose was
not reached and the combination treatment appears to have been well tolerated by the patients.
Interim results of the Phase Ia trial were presented at the American Association for Cancer
Research Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. in April 2006. Preliminary analysis has demonstrated
evidence of both local and systemic response.
U.S. Phase I/II Recurrent Malignant Glioma Clinical Trial
During the third quarter of 2006, we began patient enrolment in our clinical trial to
investigate the use of REOLYSIN® for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. This
clinical trial is an open-label dose escalation Phase I/II trial in which a single dose of
REOLYSIN® is administered by infusion to patients with recurrent malignant gliomas that
are refractory to standard therapy. The administration involves the stereotactically-guided
placement of a needle into the tumour, through which REOLYSIN® will be administered or
infused into the tumour mass and surrounding tissue using a pump.
The
primary objective of the study is to determine the MTD, DLT and safety profile of REOLYSIN®. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of
viral replication, immune response to the virus and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
U.K. Phase I Systemic Administration Clinical Trial
Further results of our U.K. Phase I Systemic Administration Clinical Trial were presented at
the 18th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in
November 2006 in Prague, Czech Republic. A poster entitled A Phase I Study of Wild-Type Reovirus,
Which Selectively Replicates in Cells Expressing Activated Ras, Administered Intravenously to
Patients with Advanced Cancer was presented by Dr. Timothy Yap of The Royal Marsden Foundation
Trust and the Institute of Cancer Research.
Results indicated that REOLYSIN® can be delivered systemically to various tumour
types and cause virus-mediated tumour responses. A total of 33 patients were treated in the trial
to a maximum daily dose of 1x1011 TCID50. Of 32 patients assessed,
anti-tumour activity was noted in seven patients. Two patients with colorectal cancer had tumour
stabilization (one for three months, the other classified as stable disease for six months) and had
CEA tumour marker reduction of 27% and 60% respectively. One patient with metastatic prostate
cancer had stable disease for four months, had a 50% decrease in PSA, and had extensive
product-induced necrosis with associated intratumoural viral replication in metastatic lesions in
the lymph nodes. One patient with metastatic bladder cancer had stable disease for four months and
had a minor tumour response in a metastatic lesion in a lymph node. A patient with pancreatic
cancer and a patient with NSCL cancer had stable disease for four months. A patient with
endometrial cancer had stable disease for five months.
U.S. Phase I Systemic Administration Clinical Trial
During the third quarter of 2006, we completed patient enrolment in our Phase I U.S. clinical
trial investigating the systemic delivery of REOLYSIN® to treat patients with advanced
cancers. A total of 18 patients were treated in the Phase I trial with REOLYSIN® at
escalating dosages of 1x108, 3x108, 1x109, 3x109,
1x1010 or
3x1010
TCID50.
A MTD was not reached
and the treatment appears to have been well tolerated by the patients.
The clinical trial is an open-label, dose-escalation Phase I study in which a single dose of
REOLYSIN® is administered intravenously to patients diagnosed with selected advanced or
metastatic solid tumours that are refractory (have not responded) to standard therapy or for which
no curative standard therapy exists. The primary objective of the
study is to determine the MTD, DLT and safety profile of
REOLYSIN®. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of viral replication, immune
response to the virus and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
- 14 -
Pre-Clinical Trial and Collaborative Program
We perform pre-clinical studies and engage in collaborations to help support our clinical
trial programs and expand our intellectual property base. We continue with studies examining the
interaction between the immune system and the reovirus, the use of the reovirus as a co-therapy
with chemotherapeutics and radiation, the use of new RAS active viruses as potential therapeutics,
and to consider other uses for the reovirus as a therapeutic.
In January 2007, Dr. Sheila Fraser of St. Jamess University Hospital in Leeds, U.K. presented
an abstract entitled Reovirus as a Potentially Immunogenic as well as Cytotoxic Therapy for
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer at the Society of Academic & Research Surgery Conference in
Cambridge, U.K. The investigators tested reovirus in vitro against recently resected colorectal
cancer liver metastases. The results showed that a significant proportion of tumour cell cultures
showed susceptibility to death following reovirus infection, and also demonstrated effective
replication of reovirus within these cells. In addition, dendritic cells that prime the immune
system to fight cancer cells were activated by exposure to the reovirus. The investigators
concluded that the data supports the development of reovirus as a novel therapy for colorectal
cancer, with the potential to direct the immune system to target cancer cells.
In
November 2006, Dr. Shizuko Sei of SAIC-Frederick Inc.,
prime contractor to the National Cancer
Institute at Frederick (NCI-F) presented a poster at the 18th EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium
on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Prague, Czech Republic. The poster was entitled
Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Oncolytic Reovirus and Chemotherapeutic Agents against Non-small
Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The research focused on work conducted by the NCI with reovirus in
combination with a number of common chemotherapeutic agents. In general, the combination of
reovirus with cisplatin, gemcitabine, mitomycin or vinblastine was synergistic against NSCLC cell
lines sensitive to anti-cancer drugs. The combination of reovirus and paclitaxel was uniformly
synergistic in all six cell lines examined, including in those with high-level resistance to
paclitaxel or reovirus. The data suggest that the combination of reovirus and paclitaxel may help
in promoting cell-death signaling, resulting in a more efficient and synergistic anti-cancer effect
against these cell lines than using each agent on its own.
On September 9, 2006 a poster, prepared by one of our collaborators, entitled Reovirus
Activates Dendritic Cells and Promotes Innate Anti-Tumour Immunity was presented at the 1st Joint
Meeting of European National Societies of Immunology. The poster highlighted the researchers use
of isolated human cells to examine whether the use of the reovirus as a direct tumour killing agent
might also activate the innate immune system to play a role in the killing of tumour cells. The
innate immune system is the broad, short-term and non-specific first-line immune response to an
infection. The research showed that the reovirus can infect and activate immature human dendritic
cells. The reovirus-activated dendritic cells triggered anti-tumour cytotoxicity when co-cultured
with two other types of immune cells, natural killer cells and autologous T-cells. The researchers
concluded that the reovirus may support early innate anti-tumour immunity as well as inducing
direct tumour cell death.
Other Clinical Trial Activity
We continue to develop our Phase II clinical trial program which includes the assessment of
different cancer indications and potential drug combinations, the interviewing and selection of
investigators and clinical trial sites, and the contracting of Contract Research Organizations.
Manufacturing and Process Development
We
have completed the production runs that should provide us with
sufficient product to complete our U.K. Phase II combination REOLYSIN®/radiation
clinical trial and our existing Phase I clinical trials. At the same time, our process development
activity helped improve virus yields from our manufacturing process. We completed the transfer of
these improvements to our cGMP manufacturer at the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and began
production runs under this improved process. These production runs are expected to provide
sufficient REOLYSIN® to expand our Phase II clinical trial program. Our process
development activity has now shifted focus to the examination of the potential scale up of our
manufacturing process.
- 15 -
New Patents
The
following table sets forth certain patent issuances in select jurisdictions since the
filing of our AIF:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
Ownership |
|
Inventors |
|
Status of Patent |
Patent Number U.S. 6,994,858
Reovirus Clearance of
Ras-Mediated Neoplastic Cells
from Mixed Cellular
Compositions
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Don Morris
Dr. Bradley G. Thompson
Dr. Matthew C. Coffey
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
May 3, 2001
February 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent Number U.S. 7,014,847
Methods for Preventing Reovirus
Recognition for the Treatment
of Cellular Proliferative
Disorders
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Bradley G. Thompson
Dr. Matthew C. Coffey
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
March 28, 2003
March 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent Number U.S. 7,049,127
Method of Producing Infectious
Reovirus
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Bradley G. Thompson
Dr. Matthew C. Coffey
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
December 11,
2003
May 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent Number U.S. 7,052,832
Methods for the Treatment of
Cellular Proliferative
Disorders
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Matthew C. Coffey
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
November 6, 2001
May 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent Number U.S. 7,163,678
Reovirus for the Treatment of
Ral-Mediated Cellular
Proliferative Disorders
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Patrick W .K. Lee
Dr. Kara L. Norman
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
November 6, 2003
January 16, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian Patent Number 2,415,750
Methods for Preventing Reovirus
Recognition for the Treatment
of Cellular Proliferative
Disorders
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Bradley G. Thompson
Dr. Matthew C. Coffey
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
July 20, 2001
March 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European
Patent Number: 1,498,129
Use of Adenoviruses Mutated in
the VA Genes for Cancer
Treatment
|
|
Oncolytics Biotech
Inc.
|
|
Dr. Ramon Alemany
Dr. Manel M. Cascallo
|
|
Filing date:
Issued:
|
|
March 25, 2003
November 16,
2005 |
New Directors and Officer
Ed Levy and Ger J. van Amersfoort were appointed to our board of directors on May 17, 2006 and
June 15, 2006, respectively. On January 23, 2007, Mary Ann Dillahunty was appointed as our Vice
President, Intellectual Property.
Unit Offering
On
February 5, 2007, we filed a preliminary short form prospectus, on February 6, 2007, we
filed an amended and restated preliminary short form prospectus
and on February 14, 2007 we filed a final short form prospectus
with the securities commissions in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, and we filed a
registration statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-140460 ) with the SEC relating to an offering
(the Unit Offering) by us of units (Units). Each Unit consists of one common share and
one-half of a common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant will entitle
the holder to purchase one of our common shares upon payment of $3.50 at any time until 5:00 p.m.
(Calgary time) on the date that is 36 months following the closing of the Unit Offering. The
common shares and common share purchase warrants comprising the Units will separate immediately
upon the closing of the Unit Offering, which is expected to be completed on or about February 22,
2007.
In connection with the Unit Offering, we entered into an underwriting agreement dated February
6, 2007 (the Underwriting Agreement) with Canaccord Capital Corporation (the Underwriter),
pursuant to which we agreed to sell and the Underwriter agreed to purchase from us 4,000,000 Units
at a price of $3.00 per Unit. Under the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriter has an option to
purchase up to an additional 600,000 Units from us,
solely to cover over-allotments in the Unit Offering, if any, for a period of 30 days after
the closing of the Unit Offering. The Underwriter will receive a fee equal
to 8.0% of the gross proceed realized under the Unit Offering.
- 16 -
The estimated net proceeds to be received by us from the sale of the Units will be $10,640,000
after deducting the Underwriters fee of $960,000 and the estimated expenses of the Unit Offering
of $400,000. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the estimated net proceeds to be
received by us from the sale of the Units will be $12,296,000
after deducting the Underwriters fee of $1,104,000 and the estimated expenses of the Unit Offering
of $400,000.
It is a condition of the closing of the Unit Offering that the registration statement of which
this shelf prospectus forms a part be declared effective by the SEC and that we have filed with the
SEC a prospectus supplement registering the common shares issuable from time to
time on the exercise of the common share purchase warrants.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of
common shares, we will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of common shares for general
corporate purposes, which may include our clinical trial program and
our manufacturing activities in support of such program. The amount of net proceeds to be used for any purpose will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
CAPITALIZATION
On September 30, 2006, we had 36,386,748 common shares issued and outstanding. Since
September 30, 2006, we have issued 134,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options.
As at February 15, 2007, we have 36,520,748 common shares issued and
outstanding. After giving effect to the exercise of all our
warrants and options and after giving effect to the Unit Offering, we would have
49,730,698 common shares issued and outstanding as at
February 15, 2007.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized Capital
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares.
Common Shares
The holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of
shareholders, to receive such dividends as declared by us and to receive our remaining property and
assets upon dissolution or wind up. Our common shares are not subject to any future call or
assessment and there are no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights attached to such shares.
As at December 31, 2005, we had 3,634,550 outstanding stock
options and 2,784,800 common share purchase
warrants and as at September 30, 2006, we had 3,584,550 outstanding stock options and 2,784,800
common share purchase warrants.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell common shares to or through underwriters or dealers and also may sell common
shares directly to purchasers or through agents.
The distribution of common shares may be effected from time to time in one or more
transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, or at prices related to such prevailing market prices to be negotiated with
purchasers and as set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
In connection with the sale of common shares, underwriters may receive compensation from us or
from purchasers of common shares for whom they may act as agents in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution
of common shares may be deemed to be underwriters and any discounts or commissions received by them
from us and any profit on the resale of common shares by them may be deemed to be underwriting
discounts and commissions under applicable securities legislation.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize dealers or other
persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the common
shares directly from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date.
These contracts will be subject only to the conditions
- 17 -
set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement or supplements, which will also set forth the commission payable for solicitation of
these contracts.
This
prospectus qualifies common shares, including common shares issuable
on exercise of the common share purchase warrants issued under the
Unit Offering. The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of common shares will set forth the
terms of the offering of the common shares, including, to the extent applicable, the initial
offering price, the proceeds to us, the underwriting discounts or commissions, and any other
discounts or concessions to be allowed or reallowed to dealers. Underwriters with respect to any
offering of common shares sold to or through underwriters will be named in the prospectus
supplement relating to such offering.
Holders of common share purchase warrants resident in the United
States who acquire common shares pursuant to the exercise of common
share purchase warrants in accordance with their terms and under this
prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement may have a right
of action against the Corporation for any misrepresentation in this
prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. However, the
existence and enforceability of such a right of action is not without
doubt. By contrast, holders of common share purchase warrants
resident in Canada who may acquire common shares pursuant to the
exercise of common share purchase warrants in accordance with their
terms and who will be deemed to acquire such common shares under
applicable Canadian prospectus exemptions, will not have any such
right of action.
We have agreed with the underwriter under the Unit Offering to use
our reasonable efforts to maintain an effective registration
statement providing for the registration of the common shares
issuable on the exercise of the common share purchase warrants until
the earlier of the expiration date of the common share purchase
warrants and the date upon which all such common share purchase
warrants have been exercised.
Under agreements which may be entered into by us, underwriters, dealers and agents who
participate in the distribution of common shares may be entitled to indemnification by us against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under applicable securities legislation. The
underwriters, dealers and agents with whom we enter into agreements may be customers of, engage in
transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe certain Canadian federal income tax
consequences to an investor acquiring any common shares offered thereunder.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe certain United States federal income
tax consequences to an investor acquiring any common shares offered thereunder.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, certain legal matters relating to the
offering of the common shares will be passed upon for us by Bennett Jones LLP and Dorsey & Whitney
LLP. In addition, certain legal matters in connection with any offering of common shares will be
passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel to be designated at the time of the
offering by such underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to matters of Canadian and United
States law.
The partners and associates of each of Bennett Jones LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, as a group,
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our securities.
AUDITOR
Our financial statements as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 incorporated by reference into this
prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as indicated in their
report dated February 8, 2006 and are incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said report.
Ernst & Young LLP has been our auditor since inception in 1998.
PURCHASERS STATUTORY RIGHTS
Securities legislation in the Province of Alberta provides purchasers with the right to
withdraw from an agreement to purchase securities. This right may be exercised within two business
days after receipt or deemed receipt of a prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement
relating to securities purchased by a purchaser and any amendment thereto. The legislation further
provides a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if the prospectus, the accompanying
prospectus supplement relating to securities purchased by a purchaser or any amendment contains a
misrepresentation or are not delivered to the purchaser, provided that the remedies for rescission
or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities
legislation in Alberta. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities
legislation of the purchasers province for the particulars of these rights or consult with a legal
advisor.
- 18 -