Bioniche Life Sciences Inc and Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc jointly announced that Endo has licensed from Bioniche the exclusive rights to develop and market Urocidin in the US with an option for global rights. Urocidin is a patented formulation of Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) developed by Bioniche for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that is currently undergoing phase-III clinical testing.

Under the agreement signed by both companies, Endo will pay Bioniche an up-front cash payment of $20million USD and the potential for up to $110 million USD in additional payments linked to the achievement of future clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. In addition, Bioniche will manufacture the product and receive a transfer price for supply.

"We are excited about the opportunity to expand our portfolio in bladder cancer treatment and enhance our late stage development pipeline," said David Holveck, president and chief executive officer of Endo Pharmaceuticals. "In August, Endo plans to launch Valstar, for the treatment of BCG-refractory bladder cancer. If successful in clinical development, Urocidin has the potential to extend and enhance our recent therapeutic expansion and strengthen the Valstar franchise."

Graeme McRae, chairman, president & CEO of Bioniche, added, "Endo Pharmaceuticals represents the optimal development and commercialization partner for Bioniche, given its understanding of the bladder cancer market and breadth of pharmaceutical industry experience. We look forward to advancing the Urocidin development and commercialization programme in collaboration with the Endo team. Equally, we are very excited about the potential returns to Bioniche and its shareholders following commercialization of Urocidin."

Urocidin is a formulation of MCC, a sterile mycobacterial cell wall-DNA complex composition that has a dual mode of action: immune stimulation and direct anticancer activity.

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.

Endo Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, sale and marketing of branded and generic prescription pharmaceuticals used to treat and manage pain, overactive bladder, prostate cancer and the early onset of puberty in children, or central precocious puberty (CPP).