25th Feb 2008 07:00
Syntopix Group plc25 February 2008 For immediate release 25th February 2008 SYNTOPIX GROUP PLC ("Syntopix" or "the Company") Positive Results from Phase II Cosmetic Study Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the drug discovery and development companyfocused on dermatological diseases, is pleased to announce positive results fromits Phase II cosmetic study in subjects with acneic skin. The study showed that a Syntopix product reduced the total number of acne spotsto a significantly greater extent (from week 4 onwards) than a currentlymarketed acne treatment. The Phase II proof-of-concept study, which began in July 2007 and was conductedin Germany, was of a randomised, blinded design in 130 subjects. Two Syntopixpreparations were investigated: SYN 0126, a compound used in cosmeticpreparations; and a combination of SYN 0126 with SYN 0091, a bacteriostaticagent used in soaps and cosmetics. The study had positive (marketed product) andnegative (vehicle) controls, and the products were used once a day for 8 weeks. The combination preparation containing SYN 0126 and SYN 0091 ranked as moreeffective than the marketed product and as most effective overall withstatistically significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatorylesions (spots) from week 2 to the end of the study. By week 8, this preparationhad reduced the total number of lesions by 27% and the acne severity grade by38%; reductions for the marketed product were 12% and 24% respectively. Following these positive study results, it is the Company's intention toinvestigate the possibility of a licensing agreement with a suitable partner inthe cosmetics or consumer healthcare industries. Stephen Jones, Syntopix' CEO, commented: "We are delighted that our preparationcontaining two SYN compounds shows significant promise as a new cosmetictreatment for acne and is of potential interest to licensing partners. Thepositive results from this study confirm the progress that the Company is makingin identifying compounds that can be developed as novel interventions for thetreatment of acne." ENDS For further information please contact: Syntopix Group plc 0845 125 9204Stephen Jones, Chief Executive OfficerRod Adams, Chairman KBC Peel Hunt Ltd 020 7418 8900Capel Irwin Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000Mark Court/Catherine Breen Notes to editors About Syntopix Group plc Syntopix, 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 ofsafe use in man; and that have well characterised properties, for exampleantimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. The Group currently has 10 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, White RoseTechnology Limited and Ridings Early Growth Investment Company Limited. Syntopixjoined the AIM market of the London Stock 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:
Gunsynd