Bioniche developing cancer products for dogs

Bioniche Life Sciences (ASX:BNC) has announced it is commercialising two products to treat canine cancer, one of which is expected to launch in North America as early as July.

The product due to launch in July is Immunocidin, an immonotherapy pending Canadian and US approval for the treatment of mixed mammary tumour and mammary adenocarcinoma in dogs.

It is based on the company's mycobacterial cell wall technology, the same platform from which Bioniche's phase III product for human bladder cancer – Urocidin – was derived.

Bioniche CEO Graeme McRae said cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death in dogs, accounting for around one in four cases.

Mammary tumours also account for around half of all cancer types occurring in female dogs, and are the second most common group of neoplasms in dogs.

As with in humans, treatments for dogs with cancer commonly involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The therapies have similar side effects seen in humans, and can cost between $3,000 to over $15,000 depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Dogs undergoing treatment also require handling by specially trained personnel, which many veterinary clinics lack.

“The company believes that its canine cancer products will be more accessible than chemotherapy given that no special handling is required and the pricing will be cost effective,” he said.

Bioniche is a Canadian biotechnology company, but has operations in Australia concentrating on its animal health business. Last week, the company signed a distribution deal allowing this subsidiary to offer four injectable animal health treatments from Modern Veterinary Therapeutics.

Bioniche (ASX:BNC) shares fell 6% during Wednesday's trading to close at $0.470.