Avacta Group Regulatory News (AVCT)

3 Sep 2007 07:00

Avacta Group plc

Development Contract with the MOD's Defence science and technology laboratory

Field Detection of Liquid Chemicals

Avacta Group plc ("Avacta"), which develops detection and analysis technology aimed at the defence & security, pharmaceutical and clinical diagnostics markets, announces a contract with the Defence science and technology laboratory (Dstl), which is part of the UK Ministry of Defence.

Avacta is developing methods of analysing liquids using laser spectroscopy. The goal is to enable the rapid detection of liquids in the field.

Professor Alastair Smith, Chief Executive, Avacta, commented:

"We are delighted with the new contract for the development of a robust, prototype device. Laser detection and diagnostic devices are a key part of Avacta's portfolio of technologies and this contract with the MOD is an important step for the company."

3 September 2007Enquiries:Avacta Group plc Tel: 0870 835 4367 Alastair Smith, Chief Executive Nexus Financial Ltd Tel: 020 7451 7050 Nicholas Nelson/Kathy Boate nicholas.nelson@nexusgroup.co.uk W.H. Ireland Ltd Tel: 0161 832 2174 David Youngman/Robin Gwyn BankOra Ltd Tel: 020 7099 1942 Michael Brennan/Henry Turcan Notes to Editors:About Avacta

Avacta was spun-out from the University of Leeds in 2004 by its current management team as a biophysics company, with the aim of combining the disciplines of physics and biology to develop innovative technologies and expert technical services to address needs in the pharmaceutical, defence and clinical diagnostics markets. Avacta has a core bio-analytical technology development programme addressing the needs of the biopharmaceutical sector to fully characterise their new products at the earliest stage in their development to reduce the risk of late stage failure. High value solutions in defence and clinical diagnostics are also being provided by Avacta's development programmes. A successful and growing part of the Avacta business model is its technical services arm, Avacta Analytical Ltd which is focused on providing leading edge contract research to the biopharmaceutical and healthcare/personal-care materials sectors. Avacta listed on AIM in August 2006 through the reverse takeover of Readybuy plc which changed its name to Avacta Group plc.