Bioniche Life Sciences has announced that it has had another patent granted 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. It also complements other technology platforms within the Company that are either commercialized or under development."
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the United States, with about 240,000 new cases diagnosed annually in that country alone. Worldwide, prostate cancer ranks second in cancer incidence (680,000) and fourth in cancer mortality among men(1). "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.