Bioniche, University of Ottawa sign global technology license agreement for botanical therapeutics

Aug 25 2010

- potential animal health and human health applications for reduction of anxiety -

Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, together with the University of Ottawa, one of Canada's top ten research universities, today announced the signing of an exclusive global license agreement. The agreement provides commercial access for Bioniche to University of Ottawa's technology for botanical therapeutics (natural health) and pharmaceutical compounds for treating anxiety and related conditions in animal health, human health and aquaculture.

University of Ottawa researchers and collaborators at the Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica have been studying these botanicals and compounds extensively for nearly 15 years. The research team combined expertise in botany, biology, medicinal chemistry and neuroscience to develop this unique family of botanicals and compounds from natural sources. They demonstrated the strong anti-anxiety effects through studies in numerous animal models. Preliminary safety and efficacy data have proven promising and show none of the side effects seen with other anti-anxiety medications.

The Company plans to initially explore developing the technology into animal health products for dogs and horses, where it could help reduce anxiety without the side effects of chemical calming agents. In the future, the Company may also explore the development of human applications for the technology. The licensing agreement includes a commitment to ongoing research at the University of Ottawa.

"There is an unmet need in both animal and human health for calming agents that are non-addictive," said Graeme McRae, Chairman, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. "We are encouraged by the extensive work done by Dr. Arnason and his team at the University of Ottawa, upon which the Research & Development team at Bioniche will add additional data from further clinical studies, with a goal to registering and launching an animal health product in the next few years."

"Technology partnerships with companies, such as this collaboration with Bioniche, are essential to ensure that academic research discoveries with potential societal benefits and commercial opportunity are brought to market," said Dr. Mona Nemer, Vice-President, Research, at the University of Ottawa. "We look forward to working with Bioniche on this partnership as the technology is commercialized."

Research team member Dr. John T. Arnason, Professor of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa added, "We are pleased to see our many years of research to demonstrate the value of tropical diversity come to fruition with the signing of a license agreement with Bioniche, and we look forward to collaborating with the Company to develop products for the marketplace."