Bionomics has already commenced Phase II testing of the anti-cancer properties of BNC105 in renal cancer in the US.
The commencement of these two Phase II trials follows a successful BNC105 Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced cancers at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Western Hospital, Austin Health and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The Bionomics’ Phase II trial of BNC105P is a single arm, unblinded study for patients with mesothelioma who have progressed on platinum/pemetrexed chemotherapy. BNC105 will be administered on days 1 and 8 of 21 day cycles. Treatment will continue until disease progression.
Earlier in December 2009, Bionomics had entered into a collaboration with the Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group (ALTG) and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) to conduct the clinical trial in mesothelioma.
Anna Nowak, principal investigator of the trial, said: “An early clinical trial of BNC105 suggested some promise in mesothelioma. This Phase II trial will provide hope and an opportunity to participate in a research study for people with mesothelioma who do not have other options for treatment.
“The Australian Lung Cancer Trials Group is very happy to have partnered with Bionomics to carry out a clinical trial of this interesting novel therapy in centres around Australia. The investigators are particularly pleased to be working with an Australian company, and that the study has been developed, approved and opened for patients within a very short timeframe.”
Deborah Rathjen, managing director and CEO of Bionomics, said: “I am delighted to report the rapid approval and initiation of this clinical trial. We are expecting to report interim results of this study in mesothelioma patients early in 2011.”