Bionomics seeks patent for Alzheimer's treatment

The news from Bionomics just keeps rolling, following its substantial deal cut with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals earlier this year.

The South Australian biotech has entered the international stage for a patent application covering a method of improving memory in Alzheimer's sufferers.

The company is applying for patents covering compounds that activate the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The proprietary compounds include BNC1881, a treatment candidate which has shown signs of restoring memory functions in preclinical animal trials, where scopolamine has been used to reduce memory.

As well as improving memory, the compounds have the potential to reduce brain tissue inflammation. According to CEO Deborah Rathjen, the two functions give the compounds possible applications in more neurodegenerative diseases.

“In addition to the large and growing Alzheimer's disease market, this therapeutic strategy has potential application for reducing cognitive impairment in Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Schizophrenia and ADHD,” she said.

Rathjen said the company plans to select a drug candidate for the program later this year.

Research indicates that around 35.6 million people were affected by dementia in 2010, with the worldwide costs of the disorder estimated to be $604 billion.

Bionomics has several other drug candidates in the pipeline, including tumour disrupting agent BNC105, anxiety disorder treatment BNC210 and Kv1.3 blockers for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune disorders.

Bionomics (ASX:BNO) shares were trading unchanged at $0.465 as of Thursday’s close.