Early data show Bionomics' BNC105 effective against tumours

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) will present preclinical data into the anti-cancer activity of its BNC105 compound in platinum resistant ovarian cancer at this year's American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting.

Bionomics' VP of research and development, Dr Gabriel Kremmidotis, and director of cancer research, Dr Tina Lavranos, will present the data at the AACR meeting in Chicago on 2 April.

The presenters will detail data indicating that BNC105 can be effective in inhibiting the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell line A2780, and cisplatin-resistant derivative A2780cis.

The compound has also demonstrated vascular disruption activity in platinum-resistant solid tumours of mice, and a statistically significant survival benefit in these animals.

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug used in treating some carcinomas including ovarian cancer.

BNC105 is a vascular disruption agent designed to shut down tumour blood vessels, while leaving normal vessels untouched.

Preclinical data suggests that the compound has applications in many solid tumour types, including breast, prostate, liver, gastric and lung cancers. Development is currently focused on ovarian cancer and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Bionomics was last week cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration to conduct a clinical trial of BNC105 with ovarian cancer patients. The data from the trial will be used in Bionomics' application for fast-track designation for the treatment candidate.

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) shares were trading at $0.500 by 3:30pm on Monday, up 4.17% from the day before.