Bioniche publishes strong bladder cancer trial results

Bioniche Life Sciences, a Canadian biopharmaceutical company, has published Phase II trial results for its Urocidin (Mycobacterial Cell  Wall-DNA Complex) in bladder cancer, in The Journal of Urology.

The study resulted in a complete response rate in the intent-to-treat  population of 27.3% at weeks 12 and 26 at a 4mg dose and a 46.4%  response at the same two points in patients receiving an 8mg dose.  Complete response was defined as no evidence of disease as determined by  cystoscopy, biopsy and cytology.

The first of two Phase III trials is nearing full enrollment. In this,  patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer whose disease is  specifically refractory are receiving a formulation of Urocidin in an  open-label study. 31 urology centers in North America are participating  in this trial and recruitment of 105 evaluable patients is expected to  be completed by the end of March.