Ixico Regulatory News (IXI)

26 Mar 2007 07:12

Phytopharm PLC26 March 2007 Company Contact: U.K. Investor Relations Contact:Phytopharm plc Financial DynamicsDr Daryl Rees CEO David YatesMr Piers Morgan CFO Ben Atwell+44 1480 437 697 +44 207 831 3113www.phytopharm.com Launch of PhytopicaTM in Italy GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (26 March 2007) - Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM)("Phytopharm" or the "Company") today announces the launch of PhytopicaTM inItaly by its partner, Schering-Plough Animal Health ("Schering-Plough"). In January 2006, Phytopharm entered into an exclusive global agreement withSchering-Plough for the Company's canine skin health product, PhytopicaTM.Under the terms of the agreement, Phytopharm is responsible for manufacturingPhytopicaTM whilst Schering-Plough is responsible for the global sales,marketing and distribution of PhytopicaTM. In April 2006, Schering-Ploughlaunched PhytopicaTM in the UK and the product has enjoyed firm support fromveterinary dermatologists and recorded strong sales growth. PhytopicaTM is effective in the management of canine skin health by providing anovel 3 in 1 approach to help maintain a normal healthy immune system, supportnormal white cell function and provide anti-oxidant benefits. The beneficialeffects and excellent safety profile of PhytopicaTM have been proven extensivelyin clinical trials and the product has been found to be suitable for all dogswhatever size or breed. Following the Italian launch, Schering-Plough will seekto market and distribute PhytopicaTM in further major territories in Europe andthe USA. Commenting on today's announcement, Dr Daryl Rees, Chief Executive Officer ofPhytopharm, said: "We are delighted with the launch of PhytopicaTM in Italy byone of the world's leading animal health companies. PhytopicaTM sales in the UKhave exceeded our expectations and with Schering-Plough's Italian launch we lookforward to further growth." Commenting on today's announcement, Dr Luciano Cora, Companion Animal Manager atSchering-Plough, Italy said: "We are very pleased to be launching PhytopicaTM inItaly as it offers a safe and cost effective approach to the management ofcanine skin health. Following the success in the UK and the increasing demandfor safe and effective companion animal products in Italy, we look forward tomaximizing the potential of PhytopicaTM." -ENDS- NOTES TO EDITORS Phytopharm plc Phytopharm is a pharmaceutical development and functional food company whoseproduct leads are generated from medicinal plants. The Company's strategy is todevelop these products through 'proof of principle' clinical testing, and thensecure partners for late stage development, sales and marketing. Laboratory,manufacturing and clinical work is outsourced to selected specialists, operatingunder expert in-house management. This operational structure allows access toadvanced research techniques whilst maintaining low fixed overheads and a lowerdevelopment cost structure. Canine dermatological disorders are recognised by veterinarians to be a majorproblem in small animal practice, with an estimated 15-30% of the global dogpopulation affected by skin conditions (Muller & Kirk's Small AnimalDermatology, 6th Ed, 2000). For further information about Phytopharm please see our website at http://www.phytopharm.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange