SLN.L Regulatory News (SLN)

30 Jan 2007 07:00

SR Pharma plc Announces the Successful Completion of Additional Toxicology Studies for its Systemically Delivered RNAi Compound - Data presented at RNAi Symposia -

London, UK, 30 January 2007... SR Pharma plc announces the successful completion of further toxicology studies for its RNAi product candidate Atu027 which is being developed for systemic cancer indications. The studies were conducted by an independent clinical research organisation and the results allow SR Pharma to proceed with a full toxicological evaluation of Atu027 in 28-day toxicity studies prior to commencing clinical testing later this year.

The latest pre-clinical toxicology data were presented at a key industry meeting, "RNAi for Target Validation and as a Therapeutic", in Keystone, Colorado, USA, on 29 January 2007.

Atu027 is designed to inhibit the function of a proprietary novel kinase protein involved in tumor growth and metastases. In these latest studies the product was administered as a reconstituted lyophilised material and was tested as a 4-hour continuous intravenous infusion using escalating doses. The drug candidate was given every third day over a period of 15 days.

Iain Ross, Chairman of SR Pharma, said: "The positive results from these toxicology studies is another important step forward in the development of Atu027 for systemic cancer indications and keeps us on track to start clinical testing in mid 2007."

* Ends - SR Pharma (www.srpharma.com)

SR Pharma plc is a European biopharmaceutical company, listed on AIM. The Company has two operating subsidiaries Atugen AG (www.atugen.com) based in Berlin, Germany and Stanford Rook Ltd based in London, UK.

SR Pharma is a leader in RNAi therapeutics, which is a Nobel Prize winning technology that "silences" genes linked to the onset of disease. The Company has developed novel, chemically modified proprietary siRNA molecules ("AtuRNAi"), which have a number of advantages over conventional siRNA molecules including enhanced stability against nuclease degradation. In addition, the Company has developed a proprietary delivery system ("AtuPLEX"), which increases bioavailability, circulation times and functional intracellular uptake of siRNA molecules.

SR Pharma expects to begin the clinical development of its own AtuRNAi therapeutic molecules for systemic cancer indications in 2007. SR Pharma also has AtuRNAi compounds partnered with Quark Biotech and Pfizer, the lead programme of which is due to commence Phase I trials for Age-related Macular Degeneration in the near future.

In addition, SR Pharma owns a proprietary Mycobacterium vaccae-based technology and related products. Currently the Company is in discussions with third parties regarding the co-development and out-licensing of these products.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All forward--looking statements are based on information currently available to SR Pharma and SR Pharma assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Enquiries:

For further information, please contact the following:

SR Pharma plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44(0)20 7307 1620 +44(0)20 7638 9571 Iain Ross, Chairman David Dible

Melvyn Davies, Finance Director Yvonne Alexander

Valerie Auffray Atugen AG +49(0)30 9489 2800

Thomas Christĩly, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Klaus Giese, Chief Scientific Officer