Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced that it is launching three new products: Cue-Mare and Tri-Otic ointment in Australia, and Peridan concentrate in North America.
Cue-Mare is the equine version of the company's bovine product Cue-Mate, both intravaginal progesterone delivery devices. It is used for the induction of estrous in spring transitional mares, which is particularly important to enable early breeding. In the non-pregnant mare, progesterone regulates the estrous cycle (heat) or synchronizes estrous, readying the mare for insemination. Specifically designed for equine comfort, Cue-Mare is the first device of its kind approved for use in mares and offers distinct advantages over oral and injectable progesterone products. A single administration of it provides the necessary 7- to 10-day consistent supply of progesterone, and eliminates the need for daily oral supplementation or repeat injections.
“Bioniche has a strong presence in the Australian equine market with a number of product offerings, including Settle, recently introduced as an aid in the treatment of equine endometritis and Enhance, a viscosupplementation product for the equine athlete,” said Andrew Grant, president of Bioniche Animal Health (Global). “We expect that the ease of administration and effectiveness of Cue-Mare's unique presentation will be attractive features for the equine practitioner.”
It should be noted that Bayer Animal Health, a division of Bayer Australia Limited, has an exclusive distributorship of Bioniche's Cue-Mate and Pregnecol cattle reproductive products in Australia. Bayer entered into an exclusive supply agreement with Angus Australia to supply these two Bioniche products to the breed society for a three-year period. A fixed-time artificial insemination program using the Bioniche products has been tested in the Angus breed, with data showing that use of the products leads to tighter calving patterns and increased conception rates.
Tri-Otic ointment is a canine treatment for acute and chronic Otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal) that is associated with yeast and/or bacteria susceptible to gentamicin. This condition is prevalent in dogs, particularly in Australia where there is a population of large, active dogs, many of which have floppy ears, making them more susceptible. This product represents the first in a line of companion animal dermatological products that the Company is introducing into the market in the coming months. Bioniche Animal Health is increasing its presence in the companion animal market,in preparation fora canine oncology product based on the company's Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) technology and a botanical therapeutic (natural health) technology for treating anxiety in dogs.
Peridan concentrate is instilled into the abdominal cavity during surgical procedures, creating a physical barrier between damaged tissues that helps reduce the formation of potentially dangerous post-surgical adhesions.
“As many as 20 per cent of horses that undergo colic surgeries suffer from post-surgical adhesions and resulting complications, which could require more surgery or even euthanasia,” said Grant. “Peridan concentrate is a safe, effective way to reduce these risks, giving horses an improved chance at recovery and lessening the risk of further complications.”
It has been clinically shown to reduce both the number and severity of adhesions by 65 per cent and 76 per cent respectively. The product was originally developed by ARC Medical Devices Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be marketed as a stable, sterile, commercially available veterinary product in the United States, Canada and elsewhere globally by Bioniche Animal Health. The product is manufactured at the Bioniche manufacturing facilities in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.