Bionomics anxiety drug could be more effective than valium

Adelaide biotech Bionomics has presented the results of preclinical and clinical data for its anti-anxiety compound BNC210, demonstrating that the drug is more effective in treating stressed rats than the current market leader valium (Diazapem).

The company presented the results at the annual European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) conference in Amsterdam.

The clinical studies involved rats with chemically enhanced high levels of the neurotransmitter, cholecystokinin(CCK), which is known to provoke panic attacks in humans.

Bionomics said that when the two drugs are compared in CCK treated rats, BNC210 reduced anxiety in a dose-dependent manner without sedation, while Diazepam produced clear signs of sedation.

Bionomics CEO & Managing Director Dr Rathjen said the fact that drug was able to exhibit such potent activity without leading to sedation was extremely encouraging, especially since sedation is the key adverse side effect of current treatments for anxiety and depression. She added that the new data builds on an already extensive pool of data from different animal studies where BNC210 was shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

“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.

The company reported that the drug appeared to be significantly more effective if taken with food.

Bionomics said that it also presented detailed data on the pharmacokinetics, clinical safety and tolerability of raising single doses of BNC210 in healthy volunteers, pre and post food intake. It added that BNC210 is progressing towards the next stage of clinical development with two Phase Ib clinical trials expected to get underway soon.

In addtiion to depression and anxiety, Bionomics also has programs targeting cancer, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). The company’s BNCI05 compound is currently undergoing clinical development as a cancer treatment which would work by restricting blood flow within tumors.