Bioniche Scientists Present at Modern Vaccine & Adjuvant Formulation Conference in France
BELLEVILLE, ON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced that two of its senior research scientists gave presentations at the Modern Vaccine and Adjuvant Formulation Conference in Cannes, France this week.
Challenge Study Results for EconicheTM
Dr. Dragan Rogan, Chief Veterinary Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., presented a paper that he co-authored, "Vaccination with Type III Secreted Proteins Leads to Decreased Shedding in Calves Following Experimental Infection with Escherichia coli O157". The other authors were Dr. Kevin Allen, Dr. Brett Finlay, Dr. Andrew Potter and Dr. David Asper.
Dr. Rogan's presentation summarized the results of a study of the Company's E. coli O157 vaccine in an experimental infection (controlled challenge) model, whereby thirty calves were immunized with the vaccine and commingled with thirty calves that were administered a saline-adjuvant placebo. Calves were vaccinated three times in a 42-day period, then were infected with E. coli O157. Fecal shedding was monitored daily for 14 days. During this period, vaccinates were shown to have a mean log shedding reduction of 1.4 (p=0.002). Researchers concluded that vaccination significantly reduced the number of animals shedding E. coli O157, as well as the number of organisms shed. These data supported the full licensure of the Company's E. coli O157 vaccine (trademarked EconicheTM) by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), as announced in October, 2008.
Immune Adjuvant Activity of Novel Oligonucleotide Sequences
Dr. Nigel C. Phillips, Senior Vice-President, Scientific Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., gave a presentation about the Company's oligonucleotide development program and the latest oligonucleotide sequences that have been shown to have immune adjuvant activity. His presentation was co-authored by Mélanie Lehoux and Mario C. Filion.
Dr. Phillips highlighted the fact that these oligonucleotide sequences contain non-DNA-bases and, unlike other oligonucleotide immune adjuvants, do not require chemical modifications such as backbone protection or terminal modification. The Company's sequences have demonstrated immune adjuvant activity in animal models using hepatitis B surface antigen and H1N1 virions. These models have shown that they are capable of inducing antiviral antibodies using very limited amounts of antigen and short-term immunization protocols.
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, "OligomodulatorTM". 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. The Company has continued to develop the Oligonucleotide technology platform in the areas of immune stimulation and modulation.
About EconicheTM
EconicheTM has been developed by a strategic alliance formed in 2000 between the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Alberta Research Council (ARC), the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and Bioniche, which holds the rights for worldwide commercialization of the vaccine. The vaccine prevents the E. coli O157 bacteria from attaching to the intestines of vaccinated cattle, thereby reducing their reproduction within the animal, and reducing the amount of bacteria that can be released through cattle manure in the environment. More than 30,000 cattle have been involved in clinical testing of the vaccine, which is fully licensed in Canada. A U.S. conditional license is pending.
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 211 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. 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.
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