Bioniche Strengthens its International Patent Portfolio for its MCC & Oligonucleotide Technology Platforms

- Japanese patent issuances facilitate commercialization of MCC in Japan -

BELLEVILLE, ON, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - 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 # 4335435; and in Canada as
        Patent # 2299548.
    2.  "Composition and Method for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer" granted
        in Japan as patent # 4426067.
    3.  "Chemotherapeutic Composition and Method" granted in Japan as Patent
        # 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.

About Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC)

Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) is a patented cell wall composition isolated from Mycobacterium phlei. MCC is a bifunctional agent with a direct effect on cancer cells (chemotherapeutic-like activity) as well as a stimulatory activity on immune effector cells such as macrophages and monocytes. MCC is a platform technology, offering opportunities to develop a range of oncology and immune stimulatory applications in both humans and animals.

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 # 1867718 (validated in: Switzerland, Germany,
        Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain and Italy). This application
        has also been granted in Israel as Patent # 150196.
    2.  "Modulation of FAS and FASL Expression" issued in the US as Patent
        # 7662792.
    3.  "Oligonucleotide Compositions and Their Use to Induce Differentiation
        of Cells" granted in Japan as Patent # 4460220; and in South Korea
        as Patent # 913860.
    4.  "Conformation-Activity Relationship of Apoptosis-Inducing
        Phosphodiester Oligonucleotides" granted in South Korea as Patent #
        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 # 4405259; and issued
        in the U.S. as Patent # 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."

About the Oligonucleotide Technology Platform

In 2000, Bioniche announced the discovery of a new class of molecules with potential anticancer activity, referred to by the Company under the trademark, "Oligomodulator(TM)". This new class of molecules with potential clinical anticancer activity and immune modulating properties is composed of short non-antisense DNA Oligonucleotides that appear to possess a range of novel pharmacological activities. The Company has continued to develop the Oligonucleotide technology platform in the areas of immune stimulation and modulation.

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 products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The fully-integrated company employs approximately 200 skilled personnel and has three operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food Safety. The Company's primary goal is to develop proprietary cancer therapies supported by revenues from marketed products in human and animal health. For more information, please visit www.Bioniche.com.

Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.

SOURCE Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.