Bionomics initiates phase Ib trial of anxiety drug

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has commenced a phase Ib trial of anxiety and depression drug candidate BNC210 in healthy volunteers.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will be conducted by Biotrial International at its facility in Rennes, France.

It will examine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sequential multiple ascending doses.

The trial will involve over 50 healthy male volunteers randomised to receive one of four doses of BNC210 or a placebo twice a day for eight days. Target engagement will be assessed by a subject’s response to nicotine, as monitored by a brain EEG.

A UK phase IIa study of BNC210 in anxiety patients is meanwhile expected to commence this quarter. Data from this trial is expected in Q3.

BNC210’s mechanism of action is negative allosteric modulation of the alpha 7 nicitonic acetylcholine receptor. It appears to sidestep the typical side effect issues encountered in current depression and anxiety treatments.

Bionomics CEO Dr Deborah Rathjen said these trials form vital steps in the development of BNC210.

“We’re eager to get back to the clinic with BNC210 and unlock the potential of this compound,” she said.

“We expect this to be a pivotal year in its development and given the data thus far are confident it will be another Bionomics drug candidate that will attract the interest of big pharma companies.”

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) shares were trading 2.38% higher at $0.43 as of around 1.30 pm on Monday.

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