Ixico Regulatory News (IXI)

16 Apr 2007 07:01

Phytopharm PLC16 April 2007 Company Contact: U.K. Investor Relations Contact:Phytopharm plc FDDr Daryl Rees CEO David YatesMr Piers Morgan CFO Ben Atwell+44 1480 437 697 +44 207 831 3113www.phytopharm.com Launch of Phytopica(R) in France GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (16 April 2007) - Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM)("Phytopharm" or the "Company") today announces the launch of Phytopica(R) inFrance by its partner, Schering-Plough Animal Health ("Schering-Plough"). Thislaunch continues the European roll-out of Phytopica(R), which follows the launchof Phytopica(R) in Italy last month. In January 2006, Phytopharm entered into an exclusive global agreement withSchering-Plough for the Company's canine skin health product, Phytopica(R).Under the terms of the agreement, Phytopharm is responsible for manufacturingPhytopica(R) whilst Schering-Plough is responsible for the global sales,marketing and distribution of Phytopica(R). In April 2006, Schering-Ploughlaunched Phytopica(R) in the UK and the product has enjoyed firm support fromveterinary dermatologists and recorded strong sales growth. Phytopica(R) 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 Phytopica(R) have been provenextensively in clinical trials and the product has been found to be suitable forall dogs whatever size or breed. With more than 8.5 million dogs, France is one of the largest companion animalmarkets in Europe and of these, some 15% referred to veterinarians may beaffected by skin conditions. Following the French launch, Schering-Plough willseek to market and distribute Phytopica(R) in further countries worldwide. Commenting on today's announcement, Dr Daryl Rees, Chief Executive Officer ofPhytopharm, said: "We are delighted with the launch of Phytopica(R) in France byone of the world's leading animal health companies. Phytopica(R) sales in theUK have exceeded our expectations and with Schering-Plough's European roll-outnow including France we look forward to further growth. Commenting on today's announcement, Gildas Joalland, Companion Animal Manager atSchering-Plough, France said: "We are very pleased to be launching Phytopica(R)in France as it offers a safe, easy to use and cost effective approach to thelong term management of canine skin health. Following the success in the UK andthe increasing demand for safe and effective companion animal products inFrance, we look forward to maximizing the potential of Phytopica(R)." -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 Phytopica(R) is a registered trade-mark of Phytopharm plc. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange