Master Service Agreement signed for Ox-1 programme

TheraCryf plc

("TheraCryf", the "Company" or the "Group")

Master Service Agreement signed for Orexin-1 programme* development

Pharmaron appointed as contract research organisation

Alderley Park, UK - 12 May 2025: TheraCryf plc (AIM: TCF), the clinical stage drug development company focussing on neuropsychiatry and oncology, has signed a Master Service Agreement ("MSA", or the "Agreement") with leading contract research organisation ("CRO") Pharmaron UK Ltd ("Pharmaron") to progress development of the Company's Orexin-1 ("Ox-1") addiction programme.

Under the Agreement, Pharmaron will provide services to enable completion of the remaining preclinical data packages necessary to support an application for clinical trial authorisation (IND/CTA). The activities will include manufacturing scale up, formulation and clinical drug supply together with regulatory-standard toxicology work - the last stages of preclinical drug development before administration in humans. As noted at the time of the Company's recent fundraise, a substantial part of the proceeds will be allocated to this new, key programme for the Company. Work under the MSA is expected to commence imminently, further information on each work package will be announced at initiation and completion, with full completion of all studies necessary for IND/CTA application anticipated in H2 2026.

Dr Huw Jones, TheraCryf CEO said:

"Following our £4.25m gross fundraise in the first quarter of this year, we are now moving at pace with our acquired and potentially most valuable programme, Ox-1. Blocking the Ox-1 receptor has the potential to alleviate a number of addictive and impulsive conditions. We look forward to proceeding towards clinical trials in man as quickly and efficiently as possible with Pharmaron as our development partner."

Dr Helen Kuhlman, TheraCryf CBO added:

"We evaluated a number of proposals from potential providers and throughout this rigorous process were impressed by the knowledge and expertise shown by the Pharmaron team. The positive external references we received regarding the quality and delivery of their work added to our confidence in selecting them as our provider to take the Orexin programme forward."

Dr Filipa Antunes, Pharmaron Business Executive Director, commented:

"We are honoured to have been selected as TheraCryf's partner to advance this exciting and important programme. Our integrated capabilities in preclinical development and manufacturing are well positioned to help ensure a smooth and efficient transition to first-in-human studies. We are truly delighted to collaborate with the TheraCryf team and look forward to supporting them in bringing new hope to patients affected by addiction and related disorders"

*Competitive antagonist of the orexin-1 receptor

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About TheraCryf plc

TheraCryf is the clinical stage drug development company focussing on brain disorders. The Company has a broad clinical and preclinical pipeline in indications including addiction, anxiety, fatigue, narcolepsy, glioblastoma** and neurodevelopmental disorders [**orphan indication].

The Company's strategy is to generate compelling data sets to preclinical and/or clinical proof of concept and partner its clinical programmes with mid-size to large pharma for larger trials and commercialisation. It also has a number of industry partnerships with companies, including Stalicla SA, in neurodevelopmental disorders. The Company has sourced know how for programmes from companies such as Shire (now Takeda).

TheraCryf has worked with and has ongoing collaborations with major universities and hospitals such as the University of Manchester, La Sapienza (Università di Roma), the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Kings College London and the University of Michigan.

The Company has its headquarters and registered office at Alderley Park, Cheshire. It is quoted on AIM in London and trades under the ticker symbol TCF. 

For further information, please visit: www.theracryf.com.

About Pharmaron 

Pharmaron (Stock Code: 300759.SZ/3759.HK) is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. 

With over 21,000 employees and operations in China, the U.S., and the U.K., Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

For further information, please visit www.pharmaron.com