21st Dec 2007 14:50
Syntopix Group plc21 December 2007 For immediate release 21 December 2007 SYNTOPIX GROUP PLC ("Syntopix" or "the Company") Signs exclusive evaluation agreement in oral healthcare Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the speciality pharmaceutical research anddevelopment company focused on dermatological diseases, is pleased to announcethat it has signed a 12-month exclusive evaluation agreement with a majorconsumer healthcare company. In this agreement, Syntopix will make available theCompany's library of compounds for assessment of the compounds' application inoral healthcare. The financial details of the agreement are confidential, although Syntopix willreceive an upfront payment at the start of the exclusivity period and furtherpayments for any compounds subject to additional evaluation. Commercialisationof a compound would be subject to a licence agreement to be negotiatedseparately. Syntopix' core focus remains the development of prescription and OTC productsfor the treatment of dermatological diseases. This agreement highlights theCompany's strategy of leveraging its compound library and intellectual propertyinto additional markets. Dr Stephen Jones, Syntopix' Chief Executive Officer, said: "This agreement inoral healthcare broadens the number of potential markets that Syntopix istargeting. Our core focus remains the development of products for the treatmentof dermatological diseases, though this agreement highlights our ability toleverage our assets into new market segments." Enquiries Syntopix Group plc + 44 (0) 845 125 9204Dr Rod Adams, ChairmanDr Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer Buchanan Communications + 44 (0) 20 7466 5000Mark CourtCatherine Breen KBC Peel Hunt Ltd + 44 (0) 20 7418 8900Capel Irwin Notes to editors About Syntopix Group plc Syntopix is a group focused on the discovery and development of drugs for thetopical treatment of dermatological diseases. The company was founded in 2003 asa spin-out from the University of Leeds by Dr Jon Cove and Dr Anne Eady, two ofthe leading experts in skin microbiology, with initial funding from The WellcomeTrust. Syntopix' strategy is to seek to reduce the risks and costs of drug discoveryand development by discovering novel uses for known compounds. The companyconcentrates on compounds and combinations of compounds that have a history ofuse in man; and that have well characterised properties, for exampleantimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. The Group currently has 12 pending UKpatent applications. Syntopix is currently concentrating on acne and Staphylococcus aureus infectionsand has identified a pipeline of lead drug candidates that it intends to takethrough pre-clinical and, as appropriate, clinical trials. The Group intends toout-license products to commercial partners on obtaining proof of principle andto seek co-development partnerships. The Group is based at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation in Bradford,giving access to the expertise in skin biology, formulation and toxicology atthe universities of Bradford and Leeds. Syntopix' shareholders include Techtran Group Limited (a subsidiary of IP Groupplc), The Wellcome Trust Limited, University of Leeds Limited and Ridings EarlyGrowth Investment Company Limited. Syntopix joined the AIM market of the LondonStock Exchange in March 2006. For further information please visit www.syntopix.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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