CALGARY, Canada, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) ("Oncolytics") today announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent 7,374,752 entitled "Reovirus for the Treatment of Cellular Proliferative Disorders." The claims cover pharmaceutical compositions which comprise various recombinant reoviruses.

"This patent provides the Company with additional patent protection for reovirus compositions in the United States," said Mary Ann Dillahunty, Vice President of Intellectual Property for Oncolytics.

About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of Phase I/II and Phase II human trials using REOLYSIN(R), its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit http://www.oncolyticsbiotech.com

This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forward-looking statements, including among others, the Company's belief as to the importance of the issuance of this patent, the safety and efficacy of the reovirus, the Company's expectations as to the potential applications of the patented technology and other statements relating to anticipated developments in the Company's business and technologies, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the efficacy of REOLYSIN(R) as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

For further information: Oncolytics Biotech Inc., Cathy Ward, 210, 1167 Kensington Cr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7, Tel: +1-403-670-7377, Fax: +1-403-283-0858, cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca; The Equicom Group, Nick Hurst, 325, 300 5th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3C4, Tel: +1-403-538-4845, Fax: +1-403-237-6916, nhurst@equicomgroup.com; The Investor Relations Group, Erika Moran, 11 Stone St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10004, Tel: +1-212-825-3210, Fax: +1-212-825-3229, emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com

For further information: Oncolytics Biotech Inc., Cathy Ward, 210, 1167 Kensington Cr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1X7, Tel: +1-403-670-7377, Fax: +1-403-283-0858, cathy.ward@oncolytics.ca; The Equicom Group, Nick Hurst, 325, 300 5th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3C4, Tel: +1-403-538-4845, Fax: +1-403-237-6916, nhurst@equicomgroup.com; The Investor Relations Group, Erika Moran, 11 Stone St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10004, Tel: +1-212-825-3210, Fax: +1-212-825-3229, emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com