BELLEVILLE, Ontario, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. , a research-based technology driven Canadian Biopharmaceutical company, presented data yesterday showing that intraperitoneal administration of the Company's proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) results in significant anticancer activity against both micrometastases and macrometastases present in the peritoneal cavity of rats with colon cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis. The data was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2007, being held from April 14-18 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
The study was co-authored by Mario C. Filion, Benoit Filion and Nigel C. Phillips of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada and by Caroline Mignard, Olivier Raguin and Francis Bichat of Oncodesign Biotechnology, Dijon, France. The study evaluated the in vivo anticancer activity of MCC against microscopic and macroscopic peritoneal nodes after administration of rat PROb colon cancer cells in animals.
"MCC suspension demonstrates significant dose-related anticancer activity in rats having experimental colon microscopic (micrometastases) and macroscopic (macrometastases) nodes in the peritoneum," said Nigel C. Phillips, Senior Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. "These additional data confirm the potential application of MCC for treatment of patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer."
"This is of particular interest given that treatment options for managements of metastases presented in the peritoneal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis) are currently very limited," added Dr. Phillips.
"Bioniche is currently conducting its Phase III clinical program using MCC (trademarked Urocidin) for the treatment of non muscle-invasive bladder cancer," added Graeme McRae, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. "The first of two Phase III clinical trials began last November in a patient population that is refractory (unresponsive) to the current standard therapy, an area of unmet need. The Company is anxious to proceed with a Phase I/II clinical trial in intraperitoneal uses of MCC, specifically in the treatment of ovarian and colorectal cancers, for which there are limited treatment options available."
About the Mycobacterial Cell Wall Technology Platform
Bioniche's core mycobacterial cell wall technology platform comprises a number of different compositions with a spectrum of activity that comprises antiviral, antibacterial, immune stimulatory and immune adjuvant, as well as anticancer and chemotherapeutic activity against cancer cells. A number of compositions are commercialized for use in veterinary applications, and the Company is actively developing compositions for use in a number of human applications.
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 185 skilled personnel and has three operating business units: 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. For more information, please visit http://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.
For further information, please contact: Jennifer Shea Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Manager Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. Telephone: (613) 966-8058 ext. 1250 Cell: (613) 391-2097 Jennifer.Shea@Bioniche.com
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.CONTACT: Jennifer Shea, Corporate Communications & Investor RelationsManager of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., +1-613-966-8058 ext. 1250,+1-613-391-2097 (cell), Jennifer.Shea@Bioniche.com
Web site: http://www.bioniche.com/
