bionomics' bnc210 better than diazepam in pre-

From: The Advertiser September 01, 2010 2:57PM

SA biotechnology company Bionomics is excited by the results of preclinical and clinical data for its anti-anxiety compound BNC210.

The results presented at the annual European College of Neuropsychopharmacology conference in Amsterdam this week show BNC210 is more effective than Diazepam in reducing anxiety in a rat model which mimics panic attacks in humans without the significant side-effects seen in current drugs, including sedation.

Bionomics chief executive Dr Deborah Rathjen said she is excited that BNC210 exhibits such potent activity in this preclinical model of panic without displaying sedation.

"This new data builds on an already impressive body of evidence pointing to the efficacy of BNC210 in a wide range of animal models."

"Based on the results of this study, it is reasonable to suggest that BNC210 may be of therapeutic benefit for panic disorders and other forms of acute anxiety in addition to general anxiety disorder or more chronic forms of anxiety as well as depression," she said.

BNC210 will soon enter the next stage of clinical development with two Phase Ib clinical trials anticipated to commence shortly.

Besides evaluating drug candidates for depression and anxiety, Bionomics is also targeting cancer through its BNCI05 compound, which is undergoing clinical development