Anxiety drug could treat PTSD

Drug development company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) is set to launch a phase 2 trial of its novel anxiety drug BNC210 as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

BNC210 is an orally administered, first-in-class modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Although the drug is currently in trial to treat generalised anxiety disorder, Bionomics CEO and Managing Director Dr Deborah Rathjen says it could be an effective therapy for PTSD patients.

“After reviewing the extensive datasets from preclinical studies and phase 1 clinical trials of BNC210, we believe that the safety and efficacy profile of BNC210 suggests that it will be an effective treatment for PTSD sufferers,” she said.

Bionomics has previously reported data indicating that BNC210 is safe, well tolerated and has strong potential as an effective treatment for central nervous system indications. The new study will aim to demonstrate improvement in PTSD symptoms following 12 weeks of daily dosing.

The trial is expected to begin in the first half of 2016, with patients to be recruited at several trial sites in Australia and New Zealand. All patients enrolled will have experienced severe trauma, including war, natural disasters or involvement in serious accidents.

The program will be funded with a US$12 million private placement to four US institutional investors.

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) shares were trading 14.58% lower at $0.41 as of around 3 pm on Tuesday.