Research Update

Phytopharm PLC
20 March 2002

                                                                   20 March 2002



                                 Phytopharm plc
   Commences European multi-centre study of P7v in canine atopic dermatitis


Phytopharm plc (PYM: London Stock Exchange) ('Phytopharm') announces today the
start of a European multi-centre study of P7v, its novel, patented botanical
product for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (canine 'eczema').

This randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study will be conducted by
specialist veterinary dermatologists located in France and the United Kingdom.
The study will determine the optimal dose for future commercialisation of the
product, which consists of granules presented in a foil sachet.  One hundred and
twenty dogs with perennial atopic dermatitis will be randomly allocated to one
of four dose groups.  The owners will add the appropriate dose of either P7v or
the matching placebo product to their dogs' food once daily for 12 weeks.

The response to dosing will be assessed by changes in the canine atopic
dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI), severity of pruritus, the
incidence of secondary skin infection and the overall response reported by both
the veterinarians and dog owners.  The study is expected to complete in Q4 2002
and will be reported in Q1 2003.

The global market for health and nutrition products used by dogs and cats is
estimated to be worth $2.21 billion annually (Vivash-Jones Consultants-1999).
There are approximately 95 million dogs in the US, Europe and Japan.  As a
condition, atopic dermatitis is the largest disease segment believed to affect
up to 15% of the entire canine population with 80% of those affected having
perennial signs of the condition (Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 6th
Edition).

Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive of Phytopharm, said: 'There is a requirement
for new therapies that are effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of
canine eczema as there are few presently available.   I am encouraged by our
good progress with this product which addresses a potentially substantial
market.'



Enquiries:


Phytopharm plc
Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive           Tel:             01480 437697
                                            Mobile:          [phone]

Financial Dynamics                          Tel:              0207 831 3113
David Yates



Notes To Editors

Phytopharm plc

Phytopharm is the leading company in the development of Botanical
pharmaceuticals. Botanicals enable the rapid clinical evaluation of plant
medicines 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 obesity and metabolic syndrome, neural and
muscular degeneration, inflammation and dermatitis.

Phytopharm is developing nine products based on its four drug discovery
platforms alongside a number of other projects in early evaluation phase.

More information concerning Phytopharm's activities can be found on its Web site
at http://www.phytopharm.co.uk



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