Product Launch

24 Apr 2006 07:01

Phytopharm PLC24 April 2006 Company Contact: U.K. Investor Relations Phytopharm plc Contact:Dr Richard Dixey Financial Dynamics +44 7867 782000 David Yates / Ben AtwellDr Daryl Rees +44 207 831 3113+44 1480 437 697www.phytopharm.com Launch of Phytopica(TM) Phytopharm responsible for manufacture and Schering-Plough Animal Health for marketing and distribution GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (24 April 2006) - Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM;NASDAQBB: PHYOF; PHYOY) ("Phytopharm") announces today the UK launch bySchering-Plough Animal Health (Schering-Plough) of Phytopica(TM), a unique 3plant extract that offers an effective aid to the management of canine atopicdermatitis. In January 2006, Phytopharm entered into an exclusive global marketing anddistribution agreement with Schering-Plough for Phytopica(TM).Under the terms ofthe agreement, Phytopharm is responsible for the manufacture and sale ofPhytopica(TM)to Schering-Plough. Schering-Plough is responsible for the globalsales, marketing and distribution of Phytopica(TM). Phytopica(TM)has been proven extensively in clinical trials and enjoys strongsupport from veterinary dermatologists in the UK. Launched at the world'slargest companion animal congress, the British Small Animal VeterinaryAssociation (BSAVA) in Birmingham, April 20-23, Phytopica(TM)has an excellentsafety profile and is recognised as suitable for all dogs whatever size orbreed. Following the UK launch, Schering-Plough will seek to market anddistribute Phytopica(TM)in Europe and the USA. Phytopica(TM)is a wholly natural product combining the beneficial effects of 3plants and provides a novel 3 in 1 approach to help maintain a normal healthyimmune system, support normal white cell function and provide anti-oxidantbenefits. Commenting on today's announcement, Richard Dixey, Chief Executive Officer ofPhytopharm, said: "We are delighted with the launch of Phytopica(TM)by one of the world's leadinganimal health companies. Phytopica(TM)has already had firm support fromveterinary dermatologists, and with Schering-Plough's global presence we lookforward to strong growth." Commenting on today's announcement, Sarah Jane Minter, Marketing Manager atSchering Plough Animal Health, said: "We are looking forward to maximizing the potential of this unique 3 plantextract that offers a convenient, cost effective aid to the management of canineatopic dermatitis." -ENDS- NOTES TO EDITORS Canine dermatological disorders are well recognised by veterinarians to be amajor problem in small animal practice, with an estimated 15% of the UK dogpopulation (equating to around 900,000 dogs) affected by skin conditions due toallergy (Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 6th Ed, 2000). Phytopharm plc Phytopharm is focused on the research and development of novel pharmaceuticaland functional food products based on clinical and pre-clinical data generatedfrom medicinal plant extracts. The Company has seven development programmes infour disease areas: neurodegeneration, obesity and metabolic disease,dermatology and inflammation and has a portfolio of two marketed veterinaryproducts. More information concerning Phytopharm's activities can be found on its web siteat http://www.phytopharm.com This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning ofSection 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S.Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the financial condition, resultsand business achievements/performance of Phytopharm and certain of the plans andobjectives of its management. These statements are statements that are nothistorical facts. Words such as "should", "expects", "anticipates","estimates", "believes" or similar expressions, as they relate to Phytopharm,are intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflectPhytopharm's current expectations and assumptions as to future events andcircumstances that may not prove accurate. There is no guarantee that theexpected events, trends or results will actually occur. Any changes in suchassumptions or expectations could cause actual results to differ materially fromcurrent expectations./ This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange