BIONOMICS 
By
Bionomics Limited (ASX:BNO, ADR: BMICY) Vice-President of US Operations and Cancer Biology Dr
Peter Chu will today update many of Europe's leaders in the new field of targeting cancer stem cells in a presentation on BNC101 at the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute (ECSCRI) Targeting Cancer Conference.
The conference is aiming to address how the cancer stem cell concept may be used to target cancer and in the long term improve the prognosis for patients by developing new cancer therapies.
The presentation, Therapeutic targeting of LGR5 cancer stem cells with the novel monoclonal antibody BNC101, focuses on Bionomics' humanised monoclonal antibody and its functional activity against cancer stem cells. Bionomics acquired the technology with its takeover of San Diego-based company Eclipse Therapeutics last year.
Preclinical data shows BNC101 is highly active against LGR5, a high value cancer stem cell marker. It also reduces cancer stem cell frequency and prevents tumour re-growth as observed in long-term animal studies involving primary colorectal cancer patient samples with multiple underlying gene mutations.
Bionomics is aiming to commence clinical trials of BNC101 in 2014 and it will target solid tumours expressing LGR5 where there is a high rate of relapse. Colorectal and pancreatic cancers have been chosen as initial priority indications.
Bionomics' collaborator Professor Hans Clevers has performed lineage tracing experiments at the Hubrecht Institute in the Netherlands that provide direct, functional evidence that LGR5 marks cancer stem cells in mouse intestinal adenomas. As well as colorectal cancer LGR5 is over expressed in esophageal, stomach, liver and pancreatic cancers.
Professor Clevers was recognised earlier this year as one of eleven inaugural winners of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his efforts in describing the role of Wnt signaling in tissue stem cells and cancer. The foundation behind the awards was set up to recognise excellence in research aimed at curing intractable diseases and extending human life. It was founded by a group including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Genentech and Apple chairman Arthur Levinson.
The conference is 24-26 July in Newport, Wales.
Bionomics Limited | Monsoon Communications | The Trout Group |
Dr Deborah Rathjen | Rudi Michelson | Lauren Glaser |
CEO & Managing Director | +613 9620 3333 | +1 646 378 2972 |
+618 8354 6101 / | rudim@monsoon.com.au | lglaser@troutgroup.com |
0418 160 425 | ||
drathjen@bionomics.com.au |
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 product development programs in the areas of cancer, anxiety, memory loss and autoimmune disorders, several of which are in or approaching clinical development stage. Its oncology approach includes cancer stem cell therapeutics as well as vascular disruption in solid tumours.
BNC105, which is undergoing Phase II clinical development for the treatment 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.
www.bionomics.com.au
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 deal with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, 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.
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