Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. Animal Health Immunotherapy Now Listed as "Organic" for Use in Cattle
BELLEVILLE, ON, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. , a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced today that its U.S. Animal Health business, Bioniche Animal Health USA, Inc., has been granted full listing by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for its premier immunostimulant technology for calves, Immunoboost. The addition of Immunoboost to the official OMRI list indicates that this biological product has met the national standard for use in organic dairy and beef operations in the United States.
Immunoboost is USDA-licensed for use in calves between the ages of one and five days, as a one-time immunotherapeutic treatment for reduction of the mortality and morbidities associated with calf scours caused by E. coli (K99) infections.
Immunoboost is a mycobacterial cell wall extract (MCWE) formulation. A distinct and more advanced Bioniche technology that also uses mycobacterial cell walls - Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) - is currently undergoing Phase III clinical testing in human patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in 31 North American urology centres.
Recognized experts in organic dairy and beef operations are pleased to have recourse to Immunoboost for the treatment of calf scours. Dr. Hubert Karreman, a Pennsylvania dairy veterinarian, has consulted on organic health care issues with veterinarians across the U.S. for over a decade and recently authored a book entitled, "Treating Dairy Cows Naturally: Thoughts and Strategies".
"Enhancing the immune system is essential in helping animals to heal," said Dr. Karreman. "With immunologic stimulation so critical to maintaining or enhancing health, I believe it is a wise choice to use Immunoboost as a therapeutic agent for all kinds of livestock production systems. Immunoboost is an effective, non-antibiotic treatment that has come of age and, being OMRI listed, it now provides the necessary assurance to organic producers and the veterinarians that service these specialized farms."
Dr. Karreman works with over 85 certified and transitioning organic herds, and is a sought-after speaker on organic practices at both veterinary and producer conferences.
"Immunoboost has recently gained market interest in the organic sector," said Mr. Jim Phillips, President, Bioniche Animal Health (global). "Its listing by OMRI comes at a time when antibiotic use is being carefully scrutinized by the industry and its customers, with alternatives to antibiotics being sought."
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stated in a report that the natural beef market in the U.S. is one of the fastest growing segments of the beef market, driven by healthier eating choices, food scares and health-related issues. The U.S. natural beef sector is estimated to be worth US$500 to US$550 million annually, or 1% of the total U.S. beef market. Overall beef sales in the U.S. have been slowing since peaking in the 1970's, and overall beef production figures continue to decline. However, the natural beef sector is growing by roughly 20% annually.
About OMRI
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a national non-profit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. Only OMRI Listed products may be used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program.
About Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. is a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of proprietary products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The fully-integrated company employs approximately 200 skilled personnel and has three operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food Safety. The Company's primary goal is to develop proprietary cancer therapies supported by revenues from marketed products in human and animal health. Bioniche has been named one of Canada's Top Ten Life Sciences Companies for 2008. For more information, please visit www.Bioniche.com.
Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.
CONTACT: Jennifer Shea, Vice-President, Communications, Investor &
Government Relations, Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., Telephone: (613)
966-8058, Cell: (613) 391-2097, Jennifer.Shea@Bioniche.com