Update re Investment

ONZIMA VENTURES PLC - Update re Investment

PR Newswire

London, June 14

Onzima Ventures PLC("Onzima" or the "Company")

Vaccine data release by N4 Pharma

Onzima is pleased to announce that N4 Pharma Limited ("N4 Pharma"), its 49%-owned investee company, has made available on its website (www.n4pharma.co.uk) initial research findings by University of Queensland on its vaccine technology concerning its suitability as a vector to help deliver pDNA and mRNA molecules for cancer vaccines and therapeutics. Particularly it has made available data concerning particle size optimisation for its silica nano particles and the ability of the particles to protect nucleic acid from attack.

In addition, as the manufacture process required to make the particle for pDNA and mRHA use is substantially different to that for its original nuvac® particle for sub unit vaccines, N4 Pharma has decided to rebrand this approach as nuvec™ to provide further differentiation and clarity to its portfolio.

N4 Pharma CEO Nigel Theobald commented:

"A good delivery vector must be able to help deliver the vaccine molecule through the cell wall and into the cell where it can “do its thing” (this is known as transfection). Our work shows we can vary our nanoparticle size to optimise this effect, demonstrating the versatility of our vector.

“A good vector for pDNA and mRNA delivery must also be able to protect the nucleic acid from attack by nuclease once it is in the body. Our data also shows how well our nanoparticle does this.

“These are two key elements biotech companies look for in novel delivery vectors so this is good news for N4 as this ticks two key initial boxes potential partner companies will want to see.

“We now plan to embark on a more extensive research program at the University of Queensland to determine the mode of action of transfection, and do comparative testing on our particles transfection capability and toxicity tests, further adding to our data package which we then intend to use to begin potential partner discussions later in the year".

For further information please contact:

N4 is currently a private company that develops new versions of existing widely used drugs to provide an improved patient experience by reformulating them using their patent protected technology platforms. Their lead product is a novel patentable reformulated version of Viagra which it is currently seeking to out-license to a large pharma co-development partner.

N4 was founded by Nigel Theobald, a successful healthcare entrepreneur with over 25 years' experience in the healthcare and biotech industry. Nigel previously worked in senior positions at Alliance Boots and is former CEO of Oxford Pharmascience Group Plc (AIM:OXP). He has a strong track record in developing intellectual property into commercially viable opportunities.