TMX group

BELLEVILLE, ON, March 13 /CNW/ - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX:BNC), a
research-based, technology-driven human and animal health biopharmaceutical
company, today announced that it has been granted a European patent -
EP1432450 - covering the composition and use of a novel oligonucleotide family
for the treatment of cancer entitled: "Therapeutically Useful
Triethyleneglycol Cholesteryl Oligonucleotides", inventors Dr. Nigel C.
Phillips, Dr. Mario C. Filion, and Dr. Andrea Herrera-Gayol.
Dr. Nigel C. Phillips, Chief Scientific Officer for Bioniche Life
Sciences Inc. stated, "This patent consolidates our oligonucleotide patent
portfolio. These oligonucleotides constitute a new composition family that
enhances our ability to develop effective treatments for oncology indications.
Bioniche now has technology platforms based on mycobacterial cell walls,
unmodified oligonucleotides and modified oligonucleotides that have immune
stimulant and anticancer activity. Bioniche is in a position to develop
effective treatments for cancer using these unique and complementary
technology platforms."
Graeme McRae, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., commented,
"The oligonucleotide platform is another example of Bioniche's ability to
develop novel technologies. We plan to develop this platform through
additional pre-clinical research in the immunomodulatory and anti-cancer areas
and seek opportunities to partner the technology for further development."

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.

About Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. is a research-based, technology-driven
Canadian biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and
markets proprietary products for human and animal health markets worldwide.
The fully-integrated Company employs more than 175 individuals and has three
principal operating divisions: Animal Health, Food Safety, and Human Health
(Bioniche Therapeutics). 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 expectations regarding
future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks 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.
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