Research Update

Ardana PLC
26 May 2005



   ARDANA ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL RESULTS IN A PHASE II STUDY OF TEVERELIX LA IN
                          BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA


Edinburgh, UK, 26 May 2005;  Ardana plc (LSE:ARA) the emerging pharmaceutical
company focused on improving human reproductive health, today announces
successful results from a Phase II study of the Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone
(GnRH) Antagonist, Teverelix LA (Long Acting) in patients with Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH).

Teverelix LA demonstrated significant symptomatic improvements, increasing over
the time of the study.  In addition, significant improvements were seen in
maximum urine flow rates, prostate size and patient's quality of life.

BPH is a common benign disease occurring in men over the age of 50, and
increases in prevalence with age.  BPH is characterised by an enlargement of the
prostate gland, which results in urinary flow problems such as hesitancy, weak
or interrupted stream, urgency and more frequent urination, especially at night.

The growth of prostatic tissue is driven by male sex hormones (known as
androgens), primarily testosterone and its more potent metabolite
dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Reducing levels of these hormones can reduce the
size and growth of the prostate.

In previous clinical studies, Teverelix LA has been shown to decrease
testosterone and subsequently DHT in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore,
Teverelix LA can reduce testosterone levels to the low end of the normal range,
avoiding a chemical castration and its related symptoms.

In this Phase II randomised, double-blind study, 81 patients with BPH received
either placebo (40 patients) or Teverelix LA (41 patients) subcutaneously.  As
early as two weeks after the dosing of Teverelix LA a statistically significant
decrease was observed in prostatic symptoms, as measured by the International
Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS).  At two weeks, mean I-PSS values for placebo and
Teverelix LA were decreased by 5.7% and 12.6% respectively (p < 0.004).
Symptomatic improvement increased over time and was most pronounced at study
completion (16 weeks) at which point I-PSS values for placebo and Teverelix LA
were decreased by 7.4% and 33.9% respectively (p < 0.001).  Seventy six (76%)
per cent of patients on Teverelix LA were classified as responders (defined as
(3) 25% reduction in symptom score from baseline).  Furthermore, statistically
significant improvements were observed in maximum urine flow rate (43%), Quality
of Life (32.8%) and prostate size (11.5 % reduction) when compared to baseline.
The study showed that Teverelix LA continues to be well tolerated with few
adverse events reported.

Dr. Maureen Lindsay, Chief Executive of Ardana, said:

'We are very encouraged by this study which provides Proof of Concept of
Teverelix LA as a potential treatment for BPH, one of three indications for
which we are developing the product.  As reported in previous studies, this
trial demonstrated that Teverelix LA was well tolerated, without any signs of
allergic reactions, and caused a rapid and prolonged improvement of the symptoms
of BPH.  These findings suggest that Teverelix LA, administered by subcutaneous
injection 2-3 times per year, could be used not only for the improvement of BPH
symptoms but also to delay the progression of BPH.   We believe that this
compound has considerable potential in the treatment of BPH and in the
management of several other diseases.'

Current treatment options for patients with BPH include watchful waiting,
surgical or endoscopic treatment or medical treatment with 5-alpha reductase
inhibitors or alpha blockers.  The BPH pharmaceutical market is estimated to be
worth US$4.1 billion in 2004 rising to US$5.6 billion in 2008 with a compounded
growth rate of 10.4 per cent (Source: Wood Mackenzie's Product View December
2004).

Further studies are planned for the continued development of Teverelix LA for
BPH.  In addition to BPH, Teverelix LA is currently in clinical development for
advanced Prostate Cancer and Endometriosis.  Phase II studies which have
evaluated Teverelix LA in advanced Prostate Cancer have produced promising
efficacy and safety results(1).  Teverelix LA is one of a number of important
products in the Ardana portfolio which position the company to become a future
leader in reproductive health.

(1)  Please see press release issued 12 May 2005 re 'Successful Results in Second
     Phase II study of Teverelix LA in Prostate Cancer'


For more information contact:

  Ardana                                  Financial Dynamics
  Maureen Lindsay                         (corporate/financial media relations)
  Tel: + 44 (0) 131 226 8550              Julia Phillips/Davina Langdale
                                          Tel: [phone]

                                          NB Public Relations
                                          (trade/technical media relations)
                                          Nicki Brimicombe
                                          Tel: + 44 (0)1883 732353

About Ardana

Ardana plc is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and
marketing of innovative products to improve human reproductive health, a $23.8
billion market.

Since its foundation, Ardana has maintained a broad and balanced portfolio to
manage risk and actively pursues product and technology in-licensing and
outlicensing to maintain a robust pipeline.

Ardana's four lead products are summarised below:

  • Striant(TM) SR, a testosterone replacement therapy that has already been
    launched by Ardana through its own sales force in the UK as a treatment for
    men with hypogonadism and for which Ardana has marketing rights in Europe;

  • Teverelix LA, in development for three initial indications (prostate
    cancer, BPH and endometriosis);

  • Testo Bi-gel, a trans dermal testosterone delivery system in development
    for the treatment of male hypogonadism, shortly to enter Phase II trials;

  • Invicorp, an injectable combination drug treatment for erectile
    dysfunction, for which Ardana has marketing and manufacturing rights in
    Europe.


In addition, Ardana has a strong portfolio of follow-on products in development.
Ardana completed its IPO on the London Stock Exchange in March 2005 raising
£21 million.

For further information please see www.ardana.co.uk



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange