Physiomics Regulatory News (PYC)

14 Jul 2008 07:30



Physiomics plc

The Magdalen Centre

The Oxford Science ParkRobert Robinson AvenueOxford

OX4 4GAUK

Tel 01865 784980

Fax 08701 671931

14 July 2008

Physiomics plc ("Physiomics" or "the Company")

Physiomics Technology in continued and expanded support of Lilly's Oncology Programs 

Physiomics plc (AIM: PYC), the Oxford, UK based systems biology company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a further agreement with Eli Lilly and Company ('Lilly') (NYSE: LLY), the global pharmaceutical company, to perform two new projects for in silico simulations in the field of oncology. Financial details of this agreement have not been disclosed. This follows the successful completion earlier this year of a specific project studying cancer cellular processes for drugs targeting the cell cycle (the natural process of controlling cell proliferation).

The overall aim of the first new project is to provide a rationale for the identification of patient subpopulations that could benefit from an undisclosed target inhibitor (drug candidate). Physiomics' role is to provide this rationale, based on identifying and illustrating the mechanisms underlying the response of cells with different genetic backgrounds to this class of inhibitors given alone and in combination with other drugs. 

For the second project, a customised model will be produced which integrates various biomarkers currently being investigated by Lilly as functional readouts for proprietary undisclosed target (distinct from the above-mentioned target) inhibitors. The model will provide a rational mechanistic understanding of the involvement of these biomarkers in the functional response to the inhibitors. In so doing, the model will be used to select optimal dosing regimes for the drugs either alone or in combination with other drugs.

Dr Christophe Chassagnole, COO of Physiomics, said:

'Clearly we are very pleased to be able to continue and expand our collaboration with Lilly following the satisfactory completion of a preliminary study designed to evaluate the technology and the team.  The needs of Lilly's discovery and development teams are very well matched to Physiomics's key expertise and capabilities in the challenging area of oncology. This is a vote of confidence in our team and our ability to apply a systems biology approach to the pharma R&D processe.'

For further information:

Physiomics plc +44 (0)1865 784980

Dr Christophe Chassagnole, COO 

E-mail: cchassagnole@physiomics-plc.com

Grant Thornton UK LLP +44 (0)20 7383 5100

Colin Aaronson, Philip Secrett