Microsoft word - asx435 further validation of bnc210 .docx

ABN 53 075 582 740
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
10 May 2011
INDEPENDENT STUDY PROVIDES FURTHER VALIDATION OF
BNC210 FOLLOWING RECENT SUCCESS OF PHASE Ib TRIALS
• Study shows key link between the effectiveness of antidepressants and
neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons in the brain)

• Encouraging support for the clinical development of BNC210 which has
been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects and potent
enhancement of neurite outgrowth in primary neurons
10 May 2011, Adelaide, Australia: Bionomics Limited (ASX: BNO) (ADR: BMICY) A recent
research study conducted by an international team led by Dr Alexandre Surget of the
Norwegian University of Science and Technology has demonstrated a key link between the
effectiveness of antidepressants and neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons in the brain).

The research study, which has been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, describes
an animal model of unpredictable chronic mild stress that produces depressed behaviour in
mice and demonstrates the importance of neurogenesis for the ability of antidepressant
compounds to reverse this depression. Stress is an important cause of anxiety disorders and
depressive illness in humans, and the same effects can be seen in mice.
The stressed mice, who displayed overt signs of depression including weight loss and poor
coat condition, were found to be producing fewer neurons in a part of the the brain called the
dentate gyrus. The researchers found that giving the mice fluoxetine (marketed as Prozac)
for five weeks while they were under the stressful conditions overcame the effects of stress
and reduced their depression.
The key discovery in this research was that the antidepressant only worked if the dentate
gyrus, in the brain, was able to generate new neurons.
The research provides encouraging support for the clinical development of BNC210:
ƒ BNC210 has been shown to have potent enhancement of neurite outgrowth in primary
neurons, an indicator of neurogenic activity and a classic hallmark of antidepressant activity; ƒ The effect of BNC210 on neurite outgrowth is more potent than BDNF, one of the body’s endogenous neurotrophins (nerve growth factors); and ƒ BNC210 is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of stress. This has been shown in animal models of heightened stress, which has been induced either pharmacologically or environmentally. Commenting on the results of the research, Dr Deborah Rathjen, CEO & Managing Director of Bionomics, noted “the findings of this independent research provide encouraging support for the clinical development of BNC210 which has all of the important properties necessary for successful treatment of anxiety and depression. In particular BNC210 works well in situations involving stress, including in the recent Phase Ib trial where BNC210 reduced
panic symptoms and speeded recovery following the administration of the stress and panic-
inducing agent CCK”.
“BNC210 shows antidepressant activity in animal models of depression and it also potently
promotes neurite outgrowth, an indication of neurogenic activity. An advantage of BNC210 is
that it is faster acting than marketed drugs such as Prozac,” she added.
To review the scientific publication copy the following details into your web browser:
nature.com/mp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/mp201148a.html
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Bionomics Limited
Monsoon Communications
The Trout Group

About Bionomics Limited
Bionomics (ASX: BNO) is a leading international biotechnology company which discovers and
develops innovative therapeutics for cancer and diseases of the central nervous system. Bionomics
has small molecule product development programs in the areas of cancer, anxiety, epilepsy and
multiple sclerosis. BNC105, which is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of cancer, is
based upon the identification of a novel compound that potently and selectively restricts blood flow
within tumours. A clinical program is also underway for the treatment of anxiety disorders and
depression based on BNC210 which has recently completed Phase Ib clinical trials. Both compounds
offer blockbuster potential if successfully developed.
Bionomics' discovery and development activities are driven by its three technology platforms:
Angene®, a drug discovery platform which incorporates a variety of genomics tools to identify and
validate novel angiogenesis targets (involved in the formation of new blood vessels). MultiCore® is
Bionomics' proprietary, diversity orientated chemistry platform for the discovery of small molecule
drugs. ionX® is a set of novel technologies for the identification of drugs targeting ion channels for
diseases of the central nervous system. These platforms underpin Bionomics’ established business
strategy and Bionomics is committed to securing partners for its key compounds.
For more information about Bionomics, visit www.bionomics.com.au

Factors Affecting Future Performance

This announcement contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the United States’ Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of I995. Any statements contained in this press release that relate to prospective
events or developments are deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates,"
"plans," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially
from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including risks related to the clinical evaluation of
either BNCI05 or BNC2I0, our available funds or existing funding arrangements, a downturn in our customers'
markets, our failure to introduce new products or technologies in a timely manner, regulatory changes, risks
related to our international operations, our inability to integrate acquired businesses and technologies into our
existing business and to our competitive advantages, as well as other factors. Subject to the requirements of any
applicable legislation or the listing rules of any stock exchange on which our securities are quoted, we disclaim
any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after
the date of this press release.

Source: http://www.bionomics.com.au/upload/ASX435-Further-validation-of-BNC210-.pdf