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Bioniche Strengthens the International Patent Portfolio for its MCC Technology Platform

^{Published on 2009-11-24 13:04:21 - Market Wire}
 

-Japanese patent issuances facilitate commercialization of MCC in Japan-

BELLEVILLE, ON, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced the issuance of a number of patents in Japan for its proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) composition. These patents have claims related to broad MCC compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and medicament compositions. The Japanese patent issuances have strengthened the international intellectual property portfolio of MCC technology.

Japanese Patent No. 04335435 entitled, "Composition and Method for Regulating Cell Proliferation and Cell Death", was issued on July 3, 2009. Japanese patent No. 4215429 entitled, "Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Cancer", was issued on November 14, 2008 and covers composition claims related to combinations of hyaluronic acid and Mycobacterium phlei DNA (M-DNA), MCC or specified oligonucleotides. Japanese Patent No. 4380922 entitled, "Chemotherapeutic Composition and Method", was issued on October 2, 2009. This patent's claims relate to medicament compositions of MCC or M-DNA and a chemotherapeutic agent for inhibiting the growth of animal or human cancer cells, including leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma.

"The issuance of MCC patents in Japan provides a firm foundation for commercializing MCC in Japan - first as a treatment for bladder cancer," said Graeme McRae, Chairman, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.

About Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC)

Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) is a patented cell wall composition isolated from Mycobacterium phlei. MCC is a bifunctional agent with a direct effect on cancer cells (chemotherapeutic-like activity) as well as a stimulatory activity on immune effector cells such as macrophages and monocytes. MCC is a platform technology, offering opportunities to develop a range of oncology and immune stimulatory applications in both humans and animals.

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 190 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 the Top 50 Best Small and Medium-Sized Employers in Canada for 2009. 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.

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