U.S. Distributor Appointed for Bioniche's Immunocidin(TM) Canine
Oncology Therapy
- Vedco, Inc. of St. Joseph,
Missouri selected as U.S. distributor -
BELLEVILLE, ON,
Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Bioniche
Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC) (ASX: BNC), a research-based,
technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today
announced that it has appointed an exclusive U.S. distributor for
its ImmunocidinTM canine oncology therapy:
St. Joseph, Missouri-based Vedco,
Inc. ImmunocidinTM was launched at the annual
U.S. Veterinary Cancer Society conference in October of this
year.
ImmunocidinTM is based on the
Company's proprietary mycobacterial cell wall technology, the same
platform from which its Phase III product for human bladder cancer
(UrocidinTM) was derived.
ImmunocidinTM is indicated as an immunotherapy
for the intratumoral treatment of mixed mammary tumor and mammary
adenocarcinoma in dogs. The product has received regulatory
approval in Canada and the U.S.
and is expected to be launched in Canada in January, 2013.
Vedco will begin immediate distribution of
ImmunocidinTM to veterinarians via its group of
member distributors which includes Butler Schein Animal Health,
Merritt Veterinary Supply, Miller Veterinary Supply, MWI Veterinary
Supply, Penn Veterinary Supply and Webster Veterinary Supply.
"We are pleased to have Vedco, Inc. as our U.S.
distribution partner for this product," said Mr. Andrew Grant, President, Bioniche Animal Health
(global). "Vedco is known for its broad and respected distribution
network, comprising more than 1,000 sales representatives
throughout the U.S."
Unlike commonly used canine oncology therapies,
such as chemotherapy, ImmunocidinTM does not
require special handling and can be used by veterinarians in their
own clinics, either alone or in combination with other
therapies.
About Canine Cancer
Canine cancer is the leading disease-related
cause of death in dogs, with approximately one in four dying of
cancer.
Where a treatment is used in dogs with cancer,
it can involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy is difficult to access and chemotherapy is highly
toxic, requiring handling by specially trained personnel, which
many companion animal veterinary clinics do not have. These
therapies have similar side effects in animals as in humans
(anorexia, nausea, hair loss, anemia, major infections, etc.) and
can vastly diminish the dog's quality of life. Surgery and therapy
costs for dogs with cancer can range from $3,000 to $15,000 and above, depending upon type
and stage of cancer, number and type of primary and supportive
treatments required, the age and condition of the dog, and the
location of treatment (travel costs).
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.
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.