Epilepsy discoveries expand Bionomics patent portfolio

South Australian genomics company Bionomics (ASX: BNO) has expanded its portfolio of potential epilepsy drug targets with the filing of eight new patents.

The patents relate to modifications in genes encoding the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, that had not previously been linked to epilepsy.

Chief executive officer Dr Deborah Rathjen said the receptor mediated the brain's response to nicotine.

"There has been a connection between epilepsy and smoking previously and obviously there are changes in these genes that make epilepsy patients more susceptible to seizures," Rathjen said.

She said other modifications of the receptor, which was well regarded among pharmaceutical companies as a promising drug target, had been linked to diseases including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, depression and chronic pain.

The eight new modifications discovered by Bionomics just weeks ago were specifically linked to epilepsy, although the company believed they could have applications to other conditions.

The latest patent applications build on Bionomics' recent filing of an international patent covering sodium channel mutations in patients with generalised epilepsy and febrile seizures, bringing its IP treasure chest up to nine patents covering 52 genetic modifications.

"Bionomics has built a comprehensive IP portfolio around its epilepsy gene discoveries, which now have the potential for use in the discovery and development of more specific and effective treatments for this serious condition," Rathjen said.

"The recent expansion of our portfolio is reflective of the quality of Bionomics' epilepsy gene researchers, including our highly-regarded academic collaborators."

She said the company would continue to study fundamental aspects of the modifications, including animal models containing the genes and the development of cell lines that could be used in drug development.

Rathjen said Bionomics intended to develop a total package to present to pharmaceutical companies, adding that Aventis had already expressed interest in this class of drug target.

The company claims to be a world leader in the discovery of epilepsy genes and through academic links with Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital as well as the University of Melbourne, has access to an international epilepsy patient database.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition after stroke, affecting about three per cent of Australians, with a global drug market estimated at $US3 billion.