Publication of epilepsy research

May 13 2004

Bionomics Limited has announced today that research by its collaborators Women's and Children's Hospital, in conjunction with the University of Melbourne and a US group in Tennessee, has been published in the scientific journal, Human Molecular Genetics.

The research relates to the identification of a susceptibility gene for a common form of epilepsy, known as generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). GEFS+ is an epilepsy subtype that is associated with a range of different types of seizures that begin with fever-associated seizures in children under 6 years of age, but continue later in life.

The gene which has been identified by the published research is a subunit of the GABA-A receptor, an ion channel which is the subject of Bionomics' drug discovery program for epilepsy and anxiety.

The published research and further research conducted by Bionomics and its collaborators, may be incorporated in Bionomics' future drug discovery and epilepsy diagnostic product development programs. A press release from the Women's and Children's Hospital relating to the publication is attached to this announcement. For more information about Bionomics, visit http://www.bionomics.com.au