Singapore: Australia-based Bionomics' CEO, Dr Deborah Rathjen, has provided an update about the company at the Biotech Showcase 2013 in San Francisco, US. 

The presentation highlighted the progress of Bionomics' proprietary and partnered discovery and development pipeline, including an update on the status of BNC105 clinical trials, in particular the ongoing phase II clinical trial in patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

Dr Rathjen highlighted that the combination of BNC105 and Afinitor is safe and well tolerated. Around 12 patients were enrolled across four BNC105 dose levels (ranging from four-to-16mg/m²) in the study. Out-of-these around eight patients achieved stable disease, seven patients received at least 15 treatment cycles (45 weeks, 11.25 months) and one patient is still receiving 23 treatment cycles (69 weeks, 17.25 months). 

The commencement of a US clinical trial by partner Ironwood Pharmaceuticals of IW-2143 (BNC210). As the trial progresses, it is anticipated that a $2 million milestone payment to Bionomics will be triggered. 

Dr Rathjen also revealed that the firm progress of Bionomics' cancer stem cell asset BNC101 (formerly ET101) towards clinical trials. BNC101 binds selectively to LGR5; LGR5 marks tumour-initiating cells in colon and gastric cancer. LGR5 is also highly overexpressed in colon, ovarian, liver, breast, lung and other solid tumours. High expression of LGR5 in colon cancer has been associated with tumour recurrence and poor prognosis. The presentation also highlighted that Bionomics anticipates receiving $4.2 million from the Australian government under the R&D Tax Incentive.