Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Bayer Animal Health, a division of Bayer Australia Limited, for the distribution of two cattle reproduction products.

The agreement takes effect on July 1, 2010, at which time, Bayer Animal Health will become the exclusive distributor of Bioniche’s Cue-Mate(R) and Pregnecol(R) products in Australia. Cue-Mate and Pregnecol are high quality products with a proven track record in delivering consistent results and enhancing reproductive performance in both beef and dairy cattle.

“This is an important partnership for Bioniche Animal Health in Australia,” said Andrew Grant, Divisional President of Bioniche Animal Health Export Sales, Europe and A/Asia. “More than ever, beef and dairy producers are striving to improve their reproductive performance, and our products offer exciting new options to do this. A market of over 15 million cows remains relatively untapped, and market education is critical for Cue-Mate and Pregnecol to grow. Bayer will assist us in both expanding the market and in establishing a greater presence within it – the growth opportunities are significant.” Udo Klein, General Manager of Bayer Animal Health in Australia and New Zealand, adds “With Bayer’s extensive network of representatives across Australia, these products will now be more widely understood by and accessible to cattle producers and veterinarians looking to boost their business via targeted breeding programs.” Pregnecol is a well-established pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) – or equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) – choice of veterinarians and producers in Australia, and Bioniche is the only supplier of domestically sourced and manufactured product. Cue-Mate offers an efficient and flexible progesterone treatment system, using specially designed treatment pods that attach to a reusable “wishbone” carrier system to deliver the progesterone for maximum effect.

Cue-Mate is the estrus synchronization device of choice for a growing number of Australian farmers.

Lyndon Constable, Director Sales and Marketing, Bioniche Animal Health (A/Asia), Australia and New Zealand, says, “Over recent years, Bioniche has worked with leading veterinarians and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand to specifically evaluate opportunities for eCG use in non-cycling dairy cattle and in beef and dairy whole herd synchrony programs. We plan to continue to invest significantly in research to identify and support high value applications for these products. In turn, Bayer will accelerate the delivery of this knowledge to a wider audience, resulting in rapid market growth and improved reproductive performance for our customers.”