Bionomics BNC105 data published in peer reviewed journal

THE ROADHOUSE PHARMACY: Bionomics Limited (ASX: BNO) has had a research paper describing the utility of combining the company’s BNC105 with FDA approved anti-cancer targeted therapies accepted in the peer reviewed scientific journal Cancer Biology & Therapy.

Bionomics claimed its data shows BNC105 treatment selectively induces a low oxygen state in tumours (hypoxia).

During this state of hypoxia tumours attempt to survive by increasing expression of a number of growth factors that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels and new protein synthesis.

The report describes that these growth factors may be inhibited through concurrent treatment using BNC105 with the marketed anti-cancer drugs Avastin (Roche; US$6.75 billion 2013 worldwide sales), Votrient (GSK, US$517 million 2013 worldwide sales) or Afinitor (Novartis, US$1.3 billion 2013 worldwide sales).

The company stated a combination of BNC105 with each of these drugs caused prolonged anti-tumour effects resulting in greater inhibition of renal and breast solid tumour growth in preclinical models.

Tumour-bearing animals survived longer when BNC105 was combined with the approved drugs compared to treating animals with each of the approved drugs alone.

“These discoveries provide the scientific rationale for clinical trials combining BNC105 with Avastin, Votient and Afinitor,” Bionomics CEO and managing director Dr Deborah Rathjen said in the company’s announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

“Bionomics is actively exploring partnering opportunities to advance further clinical trials combining BNC105 with these targeted agents.”

The company explained Avastin, Votrient and Afinitor are used to treat a number of cancer types, including renal cancer.

Website: www.bionomics.com.au