Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, yesterday (June 5) announced it has issued a warning to its customers about a counterfeit version of one of its animal health products that may be associated with the death of a horse in Ontario. The Bioniche product, Hippiron 1000, fully complies with regulatory standards and is safe for use as recommended. Bioniche sells this injectable iron-sucrose product exclusively to veterinarians and it is the only licensed product of its kind available for veterinary use in Canada.

Bioniche is warning horse owners not to use any Hippiron 1000 that has not been purchased from a veterinarian or veterinary clinic. At least one horse in Ontario has died and two more have had serious reactions following the administration of a counterfeit product sourced from a feed store. Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate and Health Products & Food Branch Inspectorate are investigating the source of the counterfeit product in order to prevent any further use in Canadian horses.

“Bioniche is working with the investigating authorities to ensure that no further damage occurs,” said Graeme McRae, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. “This type of illegal activity cannot be tolerated. Bioniche invests heavily in quality control measures to ensure that only high quality, regulatory compliant products are sold to veterinarians.” Bioniche plans to prosecute any individual involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and/or labeling of counterfeited product.

The counterfeit product bears a reproduction of the Bioniche Hippiron 1000 label. Veterinarians and horse owners who wish to verify if their product is legitimate or who have any questions or concerns may contact Bioniche Animal Health Canada at 800/265-5464, ext. 1279