Syntopix Group plc
31 January 2007
For immediate release 31 January 2007
SYNTOPIX GROUP PLC
('Syntopix' or 'the Group')
AGREEMENT TO COMMENCE CLINICAL TRIALS
Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the drug discovery and development group focused
on dermatological diseases, is pleased to announce that it has signed an
agreement with one of the world's largest clinical research organisations in
preparation for the start of the Company's first Phase I clinical trial, which
has the objective of developing a topical treatment for acne.
The clinical trial, in a group of healthy volunteers, will be conducted on
SYN0017, an anti-oxidant present in a number of food and cosmetic preparations,
SYN0401, an anti-microbial ingredient in personal healthcare products, and a
synergistic combination of SYN0017 and SYN0016, a well-known anti-acne
ingredient. It will seek to confirm the antimicrobial activity and potential
applications of these compounds and the combination treatment for acne patients.
This Phase I study highlights the Company's strategy of seeking to reduce risk
by concentrating on the change of use and novel combinations of known compounds
with well documented pharmacology and toxicity profiles.
The Phase I trial, which is expected to be completed within three months, will
commence in the second quarter of 2007 subject to regulatory approval from the
UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Company's pipeline continues to evolve and additional clinical trials are
planned for 2007 to evaluate further treatments for acne. Pre-clinical
evaluation work will also be carried out in the second half of 2007 on SYN0017,
both singly and as a synergistic combination in a prescription treatment for
Staphylococcus aureus infections, including those due to MRSA.
Steve Jones, Syntopix' CEO, commented: 'We are delighted to be at the point of
making the transition from a research-based to a clinical-stage company, which
marks a significant milestone for Syntopix. We have made rapid progress across
our portfolio, endorsing the attractiveness of our business model in which novel
uses are found for existing compounds.'
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Syntopix Group plc 0845 125 9204
Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer
Rod Adams, Chairman
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd 020 7418 8900
Megan MacIntyre
Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000
Mark Court/Mary-Jane Johnson/Catherine Breen
Notes to editors
About Syntopix Group plc
Syntopix, a group focused on the discovery and development of drugs for the
topical treatment of dermatological diseases, was founded in 2003 as a spin-out
from the University of Leeds by Dr Jon Cove and Dr Anne Eady, two of the leading
experts in skin microbiology, with initial funding from The Wellcome Trust.
Syntopix' strategy is to seek to reduce the risks and costs of drug discovery
and development by discovering novel uses for known compounds; by concentrating
on compounds and combinations of compounds that have a history of safe use; and
working with compounds that have known properties, for example antimicrobials
and anti-inflammatories. The Group currently has 10 pending UK patent
applications.
Syntopix is currently concentrating on acne and Staphylococcus aureus infections
and has identified a pipeline of lead drug candidates that it intends to take
through pre-clinical and, as appropriate, clinical trials. The Group intends to
out-license products to commercial partners on obtaining proof of principle and
to seek co-development partnerships.
The Group is based at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation in Bradford,
giving access to the expertise in skin biology, formulation and toxicology at
the universities of Bradford and Leeds.
Syntopix' shareholders include Techtran Group Limited (a subsidiary of IP Group
plc), The Wellcome Trust Limited, University of Leeds Limited, White Rose
Technology Limited and Ridings Early Growth Investment Company Limited.
Syntopix joined the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in March 2006.
For further information please visit www.syntopix.com.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange