Bioniche granted fast track status for bladder cancer therapy

Bioniche plans to start a Phase III clinical trial comparing Urocidin, to the current standard therapy in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer at high risk of recurrence or progression, later in 2008. The trial aims to demonstrate non-inferior efficacy with respect to disease-free survival and fewer toxicities than the current therapy. The trial, a double-blind and randomized study, will enroll approximately 800 patients in North America, Australia and Europe.

Graeme McRae, president & CEO of Bioniche, said: “This is an important milestone for our Phase III clinical development program with Urocidin. It highlights the need for a safer and more effective therapy for first-line bladder cancer patients.”