BELLEVILLE, ON, Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC) (ASX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, offers its sincere congratulations to Dr. Alvaro Morales who became a Member of the Order of Canada earlier this month in recognition of his contributions to advancing the field of urology, notably in the areas of oncology and sexual dysfunction.
Dr. Morales was the Principal Investigator in the Phase I and II clinical trials, as well as the first Phase III clinical trial with the Company’s Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) - trademarked Urocidin - in the treatment of bladder cancer. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of this technology, believing that it could have fewer side effects, better tolerability, and be safer for physicians to handle than the current standard bladder cancer therapy, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
During the 1970s while working in the Department of Urology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Morales hypothesized that infecting the bladder with BCG would provoke an immune system response that would be sufficiently robust to eliminate some bladder tumours. BCG is a live vaccine developed in the 1920s to prevent Tuberculosis in humans. Dr. Morales’ pioneering work formed the basis for registration of BCG as a bladder cancer therapy. Since that registration, he has been anticipating a new generation of therapy.
“We are proud to have had Dr. Morales as a colleague and friend of our Company for more than 25 years,” said Mr. Graeme McRae, Chairman, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. “The Member of the Order of Canada recognizes his lifetime of distinguished service to the field of urology and his unwavering commitment to finding efficacious therapies for bladder cancer patients.”
About the Order of Canada
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country).
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 and innovative products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The fully-integrated company employs more than 200 skilled personnel and has three operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food Safety. The Company’s primary goal is to develop and commercialize products that advance human or animal health and increase shareholder value.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. has been named one of the Top 50 Best Small and Medium-Sized Employers in Canada for 2010. 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.
SOURCE Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
