U.S. Distributor Appointed for Immunocidin
- Vedco, Inc. of St. Joseph, Missouri selected as U.S. distributor -
BELLEVILLE, ON, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - 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. ImmunocidinTMwas 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. InNorth 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.
https://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1075977/u-s-distributor-appointed-for-bioniche-s-immunocidin-tm-canine-oncology-therapy