Australia's Bionomics gets more cash from Merck on pain, oncology, CNS bets

Australia-listed biotech Bionomics has seen Merck ($MRK) expand its interest in a broad pipeline of candidates, buying nearly 5.3% of its outstanding ordinary shares at a 29% premium along with an additional $9 million investment. The Australian company, which is focused on discovery and development of cancer and central nervous system therapies, had partnered with Merck in 2013 for a $172 million discovery deal on new pain meds and then another deal in June 2014 on a new Alzheimer's drug. On Wednesday, Merck paid around A$12.8 million to buy nearly 21.7 million shares in the company of the 410.7 million outstanding at A$0.5938 each, according to the company's website. Release (PDF)