Gunsynd Regulatory News (GUN)

31 Jan 2007 07:01

Syntopix Group plc31 January 2007 For immediate release 31 January 2007 SYNTOPIX GROUP PLC ("Syntopix" or "the Group") AGREEMENT TO COMMENCE CLINICAL TRIALS Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the drug discovery and development group focusedon dermatological diseases, is pleased to announce that it has signed anagreement with one of the world's largest clinical research organisations inpreparation for the start of the Company's first Phase I clinical trial, whichhas the objective of developing a topical treatment for acne. The clinical trial, in a group of healthy volunteers, will be conducted onSYN0017, an anti-oxidant present in a number of food and cosmetic preparations,SYN0401, an anti-microbial ingredient in personal healthcare products, and asynergistic combination of SYN0017 and SYN0016, a well-known anti-acneingredient. It will seek to confirm the antimicrobial activity and potentialapplications of these compounds and the combination treatment for acne patients. This Phase I study highlights the Company's strategy of seeking to reduce riskby concentrating on the change of use and novel combinations of known compoundswith well documented pharmacology and toxicity profiles. The Phase I trial, which is expected to be completed within three months, willcommence in the second quarter of 2007 subject to regulatory approval from theUK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Company's pipeline continues to evolve and additional clinical trials areplanned for 2007 to evaluate further treatments for acne. Pre-clinicalevaluation work will also be carried out in the second half of 2007 on SYN0017,both singly and as a synergistic combination in a prescription treatment forStaphylococcus aureus infections, including those due to MRSA. Steve Jones, Syntopix' CEO, commented: "We are delighted to be at the point ofmaking the transition from a research-based to a clinical-stage company, whichmarks a significant milestone for Syntopix. We have made rapid progress acrossour portfolio, endorsing the attractiveness of our business model in which noveluses are found for existing compounds." ENDS For further information please contact: Syntopix Group plc 0845 125 9204Stephen Jones, Chief Executive OfficerRod Adams, Chairman KBC Peel Hunt Ltd 020 7418 8900Megan MacIntyre Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000Mark Court/Mary-Jane Johnson/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, was founded in 2003 as a spin-outfrom the University of Leeds by Dr Jon Cove and Dr Anne Eady, two of the leadingexperts in skin microbiology, with initial funding from The Wellcome Trust. Syntopix' strategy is to seek to reduce the risks and costs of drug discoveryand development by discovering novel uses for known compounds; by concentratingon compounds and combinations of compounds that have a history of safe use; andworking with compounds that have known properties, for example antimicrobialsand anti-inflammatories. The Group currently has 10 pending UK patentapplications. 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.Syntopix joined 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 Exchange