VASTox Appointment

18 May 2006 08:30

VASTox plc18 May 2006 VASTOX APPOINTS PROFESSOR GEORGE FLEET AS CARBOHYDRATE CHEMISTRY CONSULTANT Oxford, UK, 18 May 2006 - VASTox (AIM: VOX) today announces the appointment ofProfessor George Fleet as specialist consultant for the Company's growingcarbohydrate chemistry business. Professor George Fleet, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, is widelyacknowledged as one of the world's foremost experts on carbohydrate chemistry.He has published over 400 academic papers and has consulted for many of theleading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Professor Fleet will work with VASTox to provide technical input into both theCompany's drug development programmes and growing services business. Richard Storer, DPhil, Chief Scientific Officer said: "I have worked closelywith George for over 25 years in my time at GSK, BioChem Pharma and Idenix. Hehas always made a valuable contribution to programmes in this complex field ofchemistry and brings a depth of knowledge and understanding which is withoutparallel. I am looking forward to his input both into our in-house programmesand work for VASTox clients." Steven Lee, PhD, Chief Executive Officer said: "With the recent recruitment ofRichard Storer and now the engagement of Professor Fleet, I believe we have oneof the best carbohydrate chemistry teams in the industry. Professor Fleet'slinks and experience within the pharmaceutical industry will be a real asset aswe increase our services activities." - ends - For more information please contact: VASToxSteven Lee, PhD, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44(0) 1235 443910Darren Millington, Chief Financial Officer Citigate Dewe RogersonDavid Dible / Mark Swallow / Valerie Auffray Tel: +44 (0)207 638 9571 About VASTox plc VASTox is a chemical genomics technology company that discovers and developsproprietary novel drugs and provides services to the pharmaceutical industry.The company's most advanced drug development programme is focused on developinga new treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy based on the up-regulation ofutrophin. A second drug development programme for Spinal Muscular Atrophy isalso progressing rapidly. VASTox has three additional programmes focused onosteoarthritis, cancer and tuberculosis that are expected to be out-licensedprior to entering the clinic. The company's technology platform, which uses zebrafish and fruitflies, has thepotential to dramatically decrease the time and cost of drug discovery anddevelopment. This is because using whole organisms allows it to carry out highvolume, high content screening that delivers data which is highly predictive ofthe efficacy and toxicity of potential drug compounds in humans. VASTox isgrowing revenues based on marketing its unique technology platform and itschemistry expertise. VASTox was formed in January 2003 from the University of Oxford, by some of theUK's foremost scientists who have taken a highly creative approach to theproblems involved in drug discovery and who have a proven record in deliveringtechnological excellence. The company listed on the AIM market of the LondonStock Exchange in October 2004. Further information about the company may be accessed at the VASTox website: www.vastox.com This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of theU.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-lookingstatements can be identified by words such as "anticipates", "intends", "plans","seeks", "believes", "estimates", "expects" and similar references to futureperiods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations andassumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions.Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, theyare subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances thatare difficult to predict. The Company's actual results may differ materiallyfrom those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company cautionsyou therefore that you should not rely on any of these forward-lookingstatements as statements of historical fact or as guarantees or assurances offuture performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differmaterially from those in the forward-looking statements include (factorsincluded in this presentation) and regional, national, global political,economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange