-two in Australia and one in North America-
BELLEVILLE, ON, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC) (ASX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it is launching three new products: Cue-Mare® and Tri-OticTM Ointment in Australia, and PERIDAN® Concentrate in North America.
About Cue-Mare®
Cue-Mare® is the equine version of the Company’s bovine product Cue-Mate®, both intravaginal progesterone delivery devices. Cue-Mare® is used for the induction of estrous in spring transitional mares, which is particularly important to enable early breeding. In the non-pregnant mare, progesterone regulates the estrous cycle (heat) or synchronizes estrous, readying the mare for insemination. Specifically designed for equine comfort, Cue-Mare® is the first device of its kind approved for use in mares and offers distinct advantages over oral and injectable progesterone products. A single administration of Cue-Mare® provides the necessary 7- to 10-day consistent supply of progesterone, and eliminates the need for daily oral supplementation or repeat injections.
“Bioniche has a strong presence in the Australian equine market with a number of product offerings, including SETTLE®, recently introduced as an aid in the treatment of equine endometritis and EnhanceTM, a viscosupplementation product for the equine athlete,” said Andrew Grant, President of Bioniche Animal Health (Global). “We expect that the ease of administration and effectiveness of Cue-Mare’s unique presentation will be attractive features for the equine practitioner.”
It should be noted that Bayer Animal Health, a division of Bayer Australia Limited, has an exclusive distributorship of Bioniche’s Cue-Mate® and Pregnecol® cattle reproductiveproducts in Australia. Bayer entered into an exclusive supply agreement with Angus Australia to supply these two Bioniche products to the breed society for a three-year period. A fixed-time artificial insemination program using the Bioniche products has been tested in the Angus breed, with data showing that use of the products leads to tighter calving patterns and increased conception rates.
About Tri-OticTMOintment
Tri-OticTM Ointment is a canine treatment for acute and chronic Otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal) that is associated with yeast and/or bacteria susceptible to gentamicin. This condition is prevalent in dogs, particularly in Australia where there is a population of large, active dogs, many of which have floppy ears, making them more susceptible.
This product represents the first in a line of companion animal dermatological products that the Company is introducing into the market in the coming months. Bioniche Animal Health is increasing its presence in the companion animal market,in preparation fora canine oncology product based on the Company’s Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) technology and a botanical therapeutic (natural health) technology for treating anxiety in dogs.
About PERIDAN® Concentrate
PERIDAN® Concentrate is instilled into the abdominal cavity during surgical procedures, creating a physical barrier between damaged tissues that helps reduce the formation of potentially dangerous post-surgical adhesions.
“As many as 20 percent of horses that undergo colic surgeries suffer from post-surgical adhesions and resulting complications, which could require more surgery or even euthanasia,” said Mr. Grant. “PERIDAN®Concentrate is a safe, effective way to reduce these risks, giving horses an improved chance at recovery and lessening the risk of further complications.”
PERIDAN®Concentrate has been clinically shown to reduce both the number and severity of adhesions by 65% and 76% respectively. The product was originally developed by ARC Medical Devices Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be marketed as a stable, sterile, commercially available veterinary product in the United States, Canada and elsewhere globally by Bioniche Animal Health. The product is manufactured at the Bioniche manufacturing facilities in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.
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 Animal Health develops, manufactures and markets veterinary biopharmaceutical products worldwide. In North America, it has development, manufacturing and marketing facilities in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, Athens, Georgia, U.S.A. and Pullman, Washington, U.S.A. In Australia, business is conducted from two sites: Sydney, New South Wales, where sales and marketing, customer support and technical service are located; and Armidale, New South Wales, where research, development and manufacturing facilities are located.
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.