Re Agreement

Phytopharm PLC 26 November 2003 26 November 2003 Phytopharm enters agreement with Genitrix to launch canine osteoarthritis product Phytopharm plc (PYM: London Stock Exchange) announces today that it has entered into a distribution, sales and marketing agreement with Genitrix Ltd, one of the UK's fastest growing veterinary products companies, to launch its product PYM50014 for the maintenance of canine joint mobility. Both partners anticipate that PYM50014 will be launched in Q1 2004 and will be available from veterinarians across the UK. PYM50014 is the lead compound within Phytopharm's P54 research programme. The product has novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties and is manufactured from two related tropical plant species. In July 2001, Phytopharm announced the results of a placebo-controlled trial of PYM50014 in canine osteoarthritis, in which a statistically significant improvement in joint mobility was reported by veterinarians following two months treatment with the product. Under the terms of the agreement, Phytopharm and Genitrix will each receive 50% of the total sales revenues of PYM50014 after deduction of manufacturing costs. Genitrix will be responsible for distribution, sales and marketing, but no deductions from the total sales revenues will be made for these activities. Phytopharm has also retained the right to co-market the product with Genitrix. Canine osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease mainly affecting the synovial joints, causing pain, joint swelling and stiffness with loss of function. It is estimated that canine osteoarthritis affects 20% of the canine population over one year old, which is equivalent to around 1.2 million animals in the UK. Current treatment consists of a variety of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which can have adverse side effects, and corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use. The market for canine osteoarthritis and joint stiffness is currently estimated to be in excess of $20m in the UK, and over $80m in the USA (source: American Veterinary Medical Association). Howard Wilder, Managing Director of Genitrix, said: 'PYM50014 has an interesting and important profile that will complement our range of products for the companion animal market. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Phytopharm.' Commenting on today's announcement, Richard Dixey, Chief Executive of Phytopharm, said: 'Genitrix is an excellent partner for the distribution, sales and marketing of PYM50014 in the UK. We look forward to launching the product in the UK next year and also hope to announce further marketing partners for other territories in due course.' -ENDS- Enquiries: Phytopharm plc Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive Tel: 01480 437697 Mobile: 07867 782000 Financial Dynamics David Yates / Ben Atwell Tel: 0207 831 3113 Genitrix Ltd Howard Wilder, Managing Director Tel: 01403 734555 NOTES TO EDITORS Genitrix Ltd Genitrix Animal Health and Nutrition is one of the UK's fastest growing veterinary products companies operating in the UK ethical companion animal and equine markets. In addition, Genitrix has a growing export business to Western and Central Europe. The Genitrix product line comprises a number of nutritional as well as pharmaceutical specialities including licensed veterinary medicinal products for equine lameness, anti-infectives for birds and drugs for gastro-intestinal disorders in dogs. Through its Xenex range, Genitrix was also the first veterinary company to introduce insect control products for the rapidly expanding small mammal market. Genitrix aims to be the largest independent veterinary drug company in the UK. More information concerning Genitrix can be found on its web site at http://www.genitrix.co.uk Phytopharm plc Phytopharm is a leading company in the development of Botanical pharmaceuticals. These plant-based medicines, manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, can be clinically evaluated in chronic and poorly understood diseases. Where novel modes of action are discovered, such research can form the basis for drug discovery platforms, which enable the development of new medicines and the isolation of single chemical entities of clinical importance. Phytopharm has four drug discovery platforms in full development, for metabolic disease, neurodegeneration, inflammation and dermatology. Research into PYM50014, including human and canine clinical studies, suggests that it is a third generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which achieves a significant reduction in inflammation by inhibiting several inflammatory enzymes, including inducible COX II and NOS. This may result in fewer gastrointestinal or circulatory side effects that are associated with the first and second generation NSAID products. In a clinical trial reported in July 2001, investigators reported that 56% of the dogs were 'better' or 'much better' after being treated with PYM50014 compared to 26% of those treated with placebo (p=0.047). The owners' assessment of response also favoured PYM50014 (60%) compared with placebo (38%). The treatment was well tolerated. No serious adverse side effects were observed. Phytopharm is developing nine programmes based on its four drug discovery platforms alongside a number of other projects in early evaluation. More information concerning Phytopharm's activities can be found on its web site at http://www.phytopharm.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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