Bioniche announces issuance of new patents for MCC, Oligonucleotide technology platforms

- Japanese patent issuances facilitate commercialization of MCC in Japan -

Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced the issuance of a number of patents for its proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) composition and its Oligonucleotide technology platform.

The following is a list of the Bioniche MCC patent applications that have been allowed or issued in the various international jurisdictions:

1. "Composition and Method for Regulating Cell Proliferation and Cell Death" granted in Japan as Patent No. 4335435; and in Canada as Patent No. 2299548. 2. "Composition and Method for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer" granted in Japan as patent No. 4426067. 3. "Chemotherapeutic Composition and Method" granted in Japan as Patent No. 4380922; and has been allowed in Canada. 4. "Method for the Treatment of Inflammation": A "Notice of Decision to Grant a Patent" has been received for the Japanese application.

The following is a list of the Bioniche Oligonucleotide patent applications that has been allowed or issued in the various international jurisdictions:

1. 'Therapeutically Useful Synthetic Oligonucleotides' granted in Europe as EP Patent No. 1867718 (validated in: Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain and Italy). This application has also been granted in Israel as Patent No. 150196. 2. "Modulation of FAS and FASL Expression" issued in the US as Patent No. 7662792. 3. "Oligonucleotide Compositions and Their Use to Induce Differentiation of Cells" granted in Japan as Patent No. 4460220; and in South Korea as Patent No. 913860. 4. "Conformation-Activity Relationship of Apoptosis-Inducing Phosphodiester Oligonucleotides" granted in South Korea as Patent No. 943567; and a "Notice of Decision to Grant a Patent" has been received for the Japanese application. 5. "Therapeutically Useful Triethyleneglycol Cholesteryl Oligonucleotides" granted in Japan as Patent No. 4405259; and issued in the U.S. as Patent No. 7635686.

"The development and maintenance of our patent portfolio is an important investment for the Company," said Graeme McRae, Chairman, President & CEO. "It ensures long-term protection of products in the marketplace following successful registration."

Source: BIONICHE LIFE SCIENCES INC.