ADELAIDE, South Australia, Oct. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionomics Limited (ASX:BNO) (ADR:BMICY) will present posters on both BNC101 and BNC105 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Boston.
The four day conference beginning on Saturday 19 October is expected to draw approximately 3000 academics, scientists and pharmaceutical industry representatives from all over the world. The conference will focus on innovations in drug development, target selection and the impact of new discoveries in molecular biology.
The first poster, Therapeutic targeting of colorectal cancer stem cells with BNC101, a functional anti-LGR5 monoclonal antibody, will be presented as part of a cancer stem cells (CSCs) session on Sunday 20 October.
It will show preclinical data supporting Bionomics' therapeutic strategy for treating cancer by the targeting of CSCs with BNC101, prolonging patient survival by preventing CSCs from re-seeding cancer following frontline surgery and standard of care chemotherapy.
BNC101 is an LGR5 targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) currently undergoing pre-clinical IND-enabling studies for scheduled Phase I clinical studies in 2014. LGR5 is a validated CSC receptor over expressed in colorectal cancer, pancreatic, breast and most other solid tumours.
The BNC105 presentation , Induction of tumour hypoxia synergises with inhibitors of tumour metabolic and angiogenic adaptive responses to suppress tumour growth and enhance host survival, will highlight data that further expands and consolidates the therapeutic utility of BNC105 in renal cancer. The poster is part of a session on cellular responses on Monday 21 October.
Using animal models of kidney cancer Bionomics has demonstrated BNC105 combines effectively with therapies that are the current standard of care in the first and second lines of treatment for patients with metastatic renal cancer.
Votrient® (GSK) and Afinitor® (Novartis) are the drugs used as first and second line therapies respectively. Both combine safely with BNC105 and show improved therapeutic benefit compared to their use in isolation.
In June Bionomics reported the completion of enrolment into a Phase II trial of BNC105 in patients with metastatic renal cancer. Top line results of this trial are anticipated in early 2014.
The AACR is the world's largest and oldest scientific organisation focused on all aspects of high quality and innovative cancer research. It was founded in 1907 by a group of 11 physicians and scientists interested in cancer research. It accelerates progress toward the prevention and cure of cancer by promoting education, communication, research and collaboration.
About Bionomics Limited
Bionomics (ASX:BNO) is an Australian based international biotechnology company which discovers and develops innovative therapeutics for cancer and diseases of the central nervous system. Bionomics has small molecule and antibody product development programs in the areas of cancer, anxiety, and memory loss. Its oncology approach includes cancer stem cell therapeutics as well as vascular disruption in solid tumours.
BNC105, which is undergoing Phase II clinical development in a range of solid tumour types, is based upon the identification of a novel compound that potently and selectively restricts blood flow within tumours. BNC105 offers blockbuster potential if successfully developed. A clinical program is also underway for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression based on IW-2143(BNC210), a novel compound which stimulates neurite outgrowth. IW-2143 is partnered with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.
Bionomics' discovery and development activities are driven by its four proprietary technology platforms: Angene®, a drug discovery platform which incorporates a variety of genomics tools to identify and validate novel angiogenesis targets (involved in the formation of new blood vessels); MultiCore®, a diversity orientated chemistry platform for the discovery of small molecule drugs; ionX® , a set of novel technologies for the identification of drugs targeting ion channels for diseases of the central nervous system; and CSC Rx Discovery™, which identifies antibody and small molecule therapeutics that inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells. These platforms drive Bionomics' pipeline and underpin its established business strategy of securing partners for its key compounds.
Factors Affecting Future Performance
This announcement contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the United States' Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to prospective events or developments, including, without limitation, statements made regarding Bionomics' development candidates BNC105, IW-2143 (BNC210), BNC101 and BNC375, our acquisition of Eclipse Therapeutics and ability to develop products from their platform, its licensing deals with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Merck, drug discovery programs and pending patent applications are deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including risks related to our available funds or existing funding arrangements, a downturn in our customers' markets, our failure to introduce new products or technologies in a timely manner, Ironwood's decisions to continue or not continue development of IW-2143, regulatory changes, risks related to our international operations, our inability to integrate acquired businesses and technologies into our existing business and to our competitive advantages, as well as other factors. Results of studies performed on competitors products may vary from those reported when tested in different settings.
Subject to the requirements of any applicable legislation or the listing rules of any stock exchange on which our securities are quoted, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this presentation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Bionomics Limited Dr Deborah Rathjen CEO & Managing Director +618 8354 6101 / 0418 160 425 Monsoon Communications Rudi Michelson +613 9620 3333 The Trout Group Lauren Glaser +1 646 378 2972
