Gunsynd Regulatory News (GUN)

1 Aug 2006 07:01

Syntopix Group plc01 August 2006 For immediate release 1 August 2006 SYNTOPIX GROUP PLC ("Syntopix" or "the Company") FIRST PRODUCTS PROGRESS INTO DEVELOPMENT Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the drug discovery and development companyfocused on dermatological diseases, is delighted to announce that threecandidates from its research pipeline, for which patent applications have beenmade, will be taken forward into clinical product development for the treatmentof acne and staphylococcal infections. In accordance with the Company's plans and as outlined in the Company'sadmission document, SYN-24-0017 will become the first candidate to enterpre-clinical development as a topical remedy for the prevention and treatment ofskin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus. In parallel, a synergistic combination of SYN-24-0017 with a metal salt will bedeveloped as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris. An additional remedy foracne will also be developed from a synergistic combination of SYN-24-0401 withSYN-24-0403 or its salt. The compounds all have a history of use in man in line with the Company'sreduced risk business model. SYN-24-0017 is an anti-oxidant present in a widevariety of food and cosmetic products. SYN-24-0401 is an antifungal ingredientin personal care products. Compounds related to SYN-24-0403 are present in somecombination products for the treatment of secondarily infected atopicdermatitis. SYN-24-0017 and SYN-24-0401 are effective antimicrobials when usedalone, but Syntopix has shown that their activity can be enhanced when used incombination with certain metal salts or with SYN-24-0403 respectively. Commenting on this important milestone, CEO Rod Adams said: "We are extremelypleased to have made significant scientific advancements since the flotation ofSyntopix in March this year. We have selected three lead candidates from ourportfolio to enter formulation and clinical studies in line with expectationsand I am very excited about the quality of our development programme." For further information please contact: Syntopix Group plc 0845 125 9204 Gwyn Humphreys, ChairmanRod Adams, Chief Executive Officerwww.syntopix.com KBC Peel Hunt Ltd 020 7418 8900 Megan MacIntyre Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000 Mark Court, Tim Anderson, Mary-Jane Johnson About Syntopix Group plc Syntopix Group plc began as a spin-out company from the University of Leeds. TheSyntopix strategy is designed to reduce the risks and costs of drug developmentby avoiding the use of new chemical entities. Flotation on AiM in March 2006enabled the Company to take its first candidate products into the developmentpipeline. The Company's therapeutic focus is currently on acne andstaphylococcal skin infections. Syntopix has a collaborative approach and willwork with partners in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector to expedite arapid route to market. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange