Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology-driven human and animal health biopharmaceutical company, has been granted another patent on its core technology: Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC).

The European Patent Organization (EPO) granted the patent: "Composition and Method for Inducing Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells" (EPO1165106).

"This patent provides protection for the use of mycobacterial DNA and Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA complex (MCC) as a means of inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in prostate cancer cells," noted Dr. Nigel C. Phillips, Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. and patent co-inventor. "This technology, therefore, has application in the treatment of prostate cancer independent of the stage of the disease or of the hormone sensitivity of the cancer cells. The application fields for the Company's core mycobacterial cell wall technology platform now encompass immune stimulation, anticancer therapy, and the treatment of a range of inflammatory disorders," Dr. Nigel added.

Worldwide, prostate cancer ranks second in cancer incidence (680,000) and fourth in cancer mortality among men. "MCC could offer a positive alternative to current treatments, which often have limiting side effects," noted Dr. Mario C. Filion, Head of Biomedical Research at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.

The core mycobacterial cell wall technology platform at Bioniche comprises compositions with antiviral, immune adjuvant, and immune stimulatory activity, as well as 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.