BELLEVILLE, ON, May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. , a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, reports two presentations made by its researchers at international conferences this week.
Presentation to the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association
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Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. was among the presenters at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) held in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. this week. The presentation, entitled, “Quantification of chromosomal aberrations by multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization profile (FISH) of 9 human bladder cancer cell lines commonly used in urological research”, was made by Sonia Menard, Research Associate in the Bioniche pre-clinical research and development team.
The study was carried out in conjunction with the Cytogenetic Laboratory, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, U.S.A. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the chromosomal status of bladder cancer cell lines commonly used in bladder cancer research was determined. The results of the study showed that the nine bladder cancer cell lines studied, which were originally derived from low- to high-grade bladder tumours, were actually representative of high-grade bladder cancer.
“Bioniche has previously evaluated the activity of its proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) against bladder cancer cell lines derived from low- and high-grade tumours, and has shown comparability of anticancer activity,” said Dr. Nigel C. Phillips, Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. “The Company has also previously reported the anticancer activity of MCC against primary bladder cancer cell cultures, where a uniform activity profile was observed that was independent of tumour grade.”
Presentation to Immunopotentiators in Modern Vaccines Conference
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Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. was invited to present at the Immunopotentiators in Modern Vaccines Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this week. The presentation, entitled, “Mycobacteria-derived immunopotentiating molecules and their application in vaccine development”, was made by Dr. Nigel C. Phillips, Chief Scientific Officer of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
Dr. Phillips discussed the development pathway from MCC to the Company’s synthetic oligonucleotides, and reviewed their immune stimulatory and immune adjuvant activity. “The data presented clearly demonstrate that the Company’s proprietary, synthetic, non-CpG containing oligonucleotides have immune stimulant activity (cytokine induction and activation of antigen presenting cells),” said Dr. Phillips. “This is in addition to the previously reported direct anticancer activity. They appear to have considerable potential as vaccine adjuvants, as demonstrated in proof-of-principle animal studies using human hepatitis B surface antigen. Mechanistic studies indicate that they have a unique mode of action in their ability to stimulate immune responses.”
About the Oligonucleotide Technology Platform
In 2000, Bioniche announced the discovery of a new class of molecules with potential anticancer activity, referred to by the Company under the trademark, “Oligomodulator(TM)”. This new class of molecules with potential clinical anticancer activity and immune modulating properties is composed of short non-antisense DNA oligonucleotides that appear to possess a range of novel pharmacological activities.
About MCC
MCC is a sterile mycobacterial cell wall-DNA complex composition that has a dual mode of action: immune stimulation and direct anticancer activity. It is formulated as Urocidin(TM) for the treatment of bladder cancer, where it is administered by trans-urethral catheter directly into the bladder, coming into contact with immune system cells and bladder cancer cells. MCC is undergoing preclinical evaluation as a treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis associated with colon and ovarian cancer.
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, Corporate Communications, Investor & Government
Relations Director, Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., Telephone: (613) 966-8058,
Cell: (613) 391-2097, Jennifer.Shea@Bioniche.com
