Merck & Co., Inc.

Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

USANewsGroup.com News Commentary 

VANCOUVER, BC, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --The global oncology market is projected to nearly triple from $279.98 billion in 2026 to an estimated $748.17 billion by 2035, as immunotherapy continues to reshape the standard of care across solid tumors and hematologic cancers^[1]. Cancer drug revenues alone are expected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, driven by the rapid clinical adoption of targeted therapies, checkpoint inhibitors, and next-generation cell therapies^[2]. Companies advancing breakthrough oncology pipelines across multiple indications include Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ: ONCY), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), Arcellx (NASDAQ: ACLX), and Merck (NYSE: MRK).

The immuno-oncology segment is forecast to expand from $65.22 billion in 2025 to $170.19 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.9%, driven by rising cancer prevalence and a wave of combination therapy approvals^[3]. Immunotherapy drug development remains the fastest-growing area of oncology R&D, with checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and cell therapies collectively attracting record levels of clinical investment^[4].

Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ: ONCY) has launched a study that could reshape how doctors treat one of the most stubborn forms of colorectal cancer. The company's randomized Phase 2 trial, REO 033, will evaluate pelareorep in combination with bevacizumab and FOLFIRI in second-line RAS-mutated (which includes KRAS), microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer, a patient population where current treatments offer limited benefit and new options are urgently needed.

"I am honored to lead this study as I have a long track record working with pelareorep and have witnessed its ability to improve patient outcomes in a meaningful way," said Dr. Sanjay Goel, Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. "The colorectal cancer data we recorded in the REO 022 study continues to be compelling to this day, as evidenced by the Fast Track Designation, and I hope we can generate additional exciting data in this new trial to support registration."

The confidence behind REO 033 stems from compelling data generated in a previous clinical study. Pelareorep combined with bevacizumab and FOLFIRI demonstrated 27 months of overall survival and 16.6 months of progression-free survival, compared to 11.2 and 5.7 months for the standard of care. Objective response rate was 33% versus approximately 10% for the standard of care, more than tripling the benchmark in a notoriously difficult-to-treat population. Notably, this treatment regimen was granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA earlier this year.

"The potential to improve clinical outcomes compared to the standard of care in the second-line setting would have the potential to benefit patients around the world who are affected by colorectal cancer," said Dr. Van Morris, Associate Professor in the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "An immunotherapy with the potential to improve outcomes would improve treatment options in colorectal cancer and would be highly welcomed, especially as we are seeing more and more patients being diagnosed with colorectal cancer."

The global market for second-line treatment in KRAS-mutant, microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer runs between $3-5 billion annually. The study will randomize 60 patients to either the pelareorep combination or a control arm of bevacizumab and FOLFIRI, with objective response rate as the primary endpoint. Oncolytics expects to open the first study site later this month, with additional clinical sites added in quick succession, and preliminary data is expected by year-end 2026.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Oncolytics Biotech at:

https://usanewsgroup.com/2024/09/21/is-oncolytics-biotech-the-markets-most-undervalued-cancer-opportunity/

In other industry developments:

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has reported results showing substantial event-free survival benefit for Retevmo (selpercatinib) as an adjuvant therapy in early-stage RET fusion-positive lung cancer, expanding the role of targeted therapy in oncology. The LIBRETTO-432 trial enrolled 151 patients across a global, multicenter study, generating one of the largest datasets ever assembled for adjuvant targeted therapy in this setting.

"We have consistently observed that cancer medicines can deliver their greatest impact when administered early in the course of a patient's treatment journey," said Jacob Van Naarden, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Oncology. "The LIBRETTO-432 results support this observation, demonstrating an effect size in line with the most striking data for targeted adjuvant therapy in lung cancer."

Lilly's breast cancer drug Verzenio (abemaciclib) generated $5.3 billion in full-year 2025 revenue, an 8% increase year over year, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in targeted oncology therapeutics. The Retevmo adjuvant data further strengthens a pipeline spanning solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and novel modalities.

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) has agreed to acquire Arcellx (NASDAQ: ACLX) in a $7.8 billion transaction to maximize the long-term potential of anito-cel, a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The FDA has accepted the anito-cel BLA for review, with a potential launch later this year that would add a second CAR-T product to Gilead's oncology portfolio alongside Yescarta.

"This agreement reflects our conviction in the potential of anito-cel and our intention to move with speed so we can make the most of that potential for patients with multiple myeloma," said Daniel O'Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences. "Beyond the potential launch this year, anito-cel could become a foundational treatment for multiple myeloma over time, including earlier lines of therapy."

The acquisition underscores the accelerating consolidation in cell therapy, where large-cap oncology companies are paying premium valuations for differentiated platforms with near-term regulatory catalysts. Gilead's combined cell therapy franchise, anchored by Yescarta and now anito-cel, positions the company as one of the largest players in the rapidly expanding CAR-T market.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has presented new data at the 2026 ASCO GU Cancers Symposium demonstrating that Keytruda in combination with Padcev significantly improved event-free survival, overall survival, and pathologic complete response in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The KEYNOTE-B15 results represent the latest expansion of Keytruda's genitourinary oncology portfolio.

"We're excited to share new results from our portfolio and pipeline for more patients with certain types of bladder and kidney cancers," said Dr. Marjorie Green, Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology, Global Clinical Development at Merck Research Laboratories. "The results we're presenting at ASCO GU underscore our leadership across the genitourinary cancer landscape and our commitment to advance standards of care for these patients."

Merck's Keytruda franchise generated over $31 billion in global sales in 2025, maintaining its position as the world's top-selling oncology drug. The company is advancing clinical trials across virtually every major solid tumor type, including ongoing studies in colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers where immunotherapy combinations are showing increasing promise.

CONTACT:

USA NEWS GROUP

info@usanewsgroup.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Oncolytics Biotech Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

SOURCES:

1. https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2026-02-19/oncology-market-value-to-more-than-double-reaching-usd-74817-billion-by-2035
2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oncologycancer-drugs-market-to-reach-335-2-billion-by-2033-globally-at-7-2-cagr-allied-market-research-302683974.html
3. https://www.openpr.com/news/4395526/immuno-oncology-market-set-for-remarkable-expansion-as
4. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/17/3239494/28124/en/Immunotherapy-Drugs-Market-Research-and-Forecast-Report-2020-2025-2025-2026-with-Analyst-Recommendations-Adoption-of-AI-in-Drug-Discovery-Combination-Therapies.html

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Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group News Commentary, The global oncology market is on track to nearly triple in value over the next decade, growing from $279.98 billion in 2026 to an estimated $748.17 billion by 2035^[1]. Cancer drug revenues alone are projected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, driven by a surge in targeted therapies and immunotherapy adoption^[2]. Five companies advancing novel approaches in the oncology sector include Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ: ONCY), Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), Merck (NYSE: MRK), and Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD).

The immunotherapy drugs market is experiencing significant growth as rising cancer prevalence accelerates demand for targeted treatments and combination therapies^[3]. The immuno-oncology segment specifically is forecast to expand from $65.22 billion in 2025 to $170.19 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 14.9%^[4].

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) recently announced its decision to focus on registrational programs in anal and colorectal cancer, concluding enrollment in the GOBLET gastrointestinal study after generating sufficient clinical and translational data to chart a clear path toward FDA approval.

The promising efficacy signal in GOBLET Cohort 4 has defined a clear registrational path for pelareorep in second-line and later squamous cell anal cancer, a setting where available therapies offer only limited benefit to patients. Oncolytics expects to meet with the FDA in mid-April to align on study design, and believes a clinical trial of well under 100 subjects will be sufficient to secure approval in this rare cancer indication.

With sufficient cash on hand to execute near-term milestones, the company expects to avoid immediate material dilution, redirecting capital from the GOBLET cohorts toward its highest-conviction registration programs.

"GOBLET has done its job successfully. We now know where pelareorep can make the greatest impact for patients and where we can pursue approval most efficiently," said Jared Kelly, CEO of Oncolytics Biotech. "Our disciplined strategy is to run registrational or registration-enabling studies with ruthless efficiency that can create maximum shareholder value without unnecessary dilution."

The registration push builds on pelareorep's recent Fast Track Designation from the FDA for second-line KRAS-mutant microsatellite-stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer. Clinical data showed pelareorep combined with standard chemotherapy and Avastin® achieved a 33% response rate versus roughly 10% with chemotherapy and Avastin®, while median overall survival reached 27 months versus 11.2 months with standard treatment.

KRAS-mutant MSS colorectal cancer represents one of the hardest-to-treat populations, with limited options after first-line treatment fails. The global market for second-line treatment in this patient group runs between $3 billion and $5 billion annually. The company plans to launch a controlled study with the first clinical site activating in March and interim data expected by year-end 2026.

Pelareorep is also delivering strong results in anal cancer, where third-line patients achieved a 29% response rate with the median duration of response lasting around 17 months in a setting with no FDA-approved treatments. In second-line or later patients, the 30% response rate more than doubled the benchmark for the FDA-approved immunotherapy.

The company continues strengthening its leadership, having recently appointed John McAdory as EVP of Strategy and Operations and Yujun Wu as Head of Biostatistics. Kelly and Chief Business Officer Andrew Aromando both joined from Ambrx Biopharma, which sold to Johnson & Johnson for $2 billion in 2024.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Oncolytics Biotech at:

https://usanewsgroup.com/2024/09/21/is-oncolytics-biotech-the-markets-most-undervalued-cancer-opportunity/

In other industry developments:

Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) reported strong results for fiscal year 2025, with U.S. net product revenues from its cabozantinib franchise reaching $2.1 billion. The FDA accepted the company's New Drug Application for zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.

"The team is highly motivated to build a second Exelixis oncology franchise with zanzalintinib and is working diligently to advance a first potential indication in metastatic colorectal cancer, following the recent acceptance of our New Drug Application by U.S. regulatory authorities," said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and CEO of Exelixis.

The company has a target FDA action date of December 2026 for zanzalintinib, which could establish a second major oncology franchise.

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) announced positive results from its Phase 3 LIBRETTO-432 trial, showing that Retevmo delivered a highly statistically significant improvement in event-free survival as adjuvant therapy in early-stage RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The trial is the first randomized Phase 3 study to evaluate a selective RET kinase inhibitor in this population.

"We have consistently observed that cancer medicines can deliver their greatest impact when administered early in the course of a patient's treatment journey," said Jacob Van Naarden, executive vice president and president of Lilly Oncology.

The company plans to present detailed results at an upcoming medical congress and discuss findings with global health authorities.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA and its subcutaneous formulation KEYTRUDA QLEX plus paclitaxel for adults with PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. KEYTRUDA is the first PD-1 inhibitor approved for platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma.

"For many patients with ovarian cancer, the disease can become platinum-resistant, at which point recurrence is not just a setback, it's when options can become limited, and the reality patients face can change very quickly," said Dr. Bradley Monk, gynecologic oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.

The KEYNOTE-B96 trial demonstrated a 28% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death and a 24% reduction in the risk of death compared to placebo.

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) received an updated label for its Kite subsidiary's Yescarta CAR T-cell therapy, with the FDA removing previous limitations of use in relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma. Yescarta is now the only CAR T-cell therapy approved for large B-cell lymphoma with this designation.

"This update to the axi-cel prescribing information provides clinicians with important evidence for patients who have historically had very limited treatment options," said Lakshmi Nayak, MD, Director of the Center for CNS Lymphoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2024/09/21/is-oncolytics-biotech-the-markets-most-undervalued-cancer-opportunity/

CONTACT:

USA NEWS GROUP

info@usanewsgroup.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Oncolytics Biotech Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

SOURCES:

1. https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2026-02-19/oncology-market-value-to-more-than-double-reaching-usd-74817-billion-by-2035
2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oncologycancer-drugs-market-to-reach-335-2-billion-by-2033-globally-at-7-2-cagr-allied-market-research-302683974.html
3. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/17/3239494/28124/en/Immunotherapy-Drugs-Market-Research-and-Forecast-Report-2020-2025-2025-2026-with-Analyst-Recommendations-Adoption-of-AI-in-Drug-Discovery-Combination-Therapies.html
4. https://www.openpr.com/news/4395526/immuno-oncology-market-set-for-remarkable-expansion-as

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