Research Update

Phytopharm PLC
30 September 2005





Company Contact:                                 U.K. Investor Relations Contact
Phytopharm, plc                                  Financial Dynamics
Dr Richard Dixey                                 David Yates/Ben Atwell
[phone]                                  [phone]
Dr Wang Chong
[phone]
www.phytopharm.com





Completion of subject dosing and follow-up in phase II proof of principle study
in Alzheimer's disease



                Preliminary trial results expected December 2005



GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (30 September 2005) - Phytopharm plc (LSE:
PYM; NASDAQBB: PHYOF; PHYOY) ('Phytopharm') announces today that all subjects
have now completed their participation in the phase II proof of principle
clinical study of PYM50028 (CoganeTM). The compound is an orally active,
synthetic, neuroprotective and neurotrophic product that is under development as
a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.



Two hundred and fifty six subjects with Alzheimer's disease were randomly
allocated to receive either CoganeTM or a placebo orally once daily for twelve
weeks. The patients were monitored for a further six weeks following the
completion of dosing, with measurements taken during the study to determine the
safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of CoganeTM compared to placebo
treatment. These data are now being collected for analysis. It is anticipated
that the results of the study will be announced early in December 2005.



In January 2005 an interim safety review was carried out by an independent
consultant physician on the first 60 subjects to complete the study and
concluded that the data available did not raise any safety concerns associated
with CoganeTM.



Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive of Phytopharm, said: 'A substantial body of
work is being conducted on all aspects of the CoganeTM programme. The results of
this clinical study are a key development and we look forward to receiving them
in December.  With more than 4.5 million people thought to be suffering from
Alzheimer's disease in the US, and similar prevalence in other major markets,
CoganeTM addresses a major opportunity where there is a clear need for improved
medication.'





NOTES TO EDITORS



Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects the
elderly and is characterised by a progressive loss of learning ability and
memory. Alzheimer's disease is thought to affect 4.5 million of the US
population, and it is believed that this number will continue to grow to
approximately 16 million by 2050 (Source: Alzheimer's Association). Several
factors have been proposed to play a role in the underlying neurodegeneration,
including the excessive formation of beta-amyloid, glutamate and a decrease in
neurotrophic factors in the brain.



In pre-clinical studies, the synthetic chemical PYM50028 has been shown to be
neuroprotective against beta-amyloid and glutamate damage, to reverse the
decrease of neuronal growth factors and to reverse neuronal degeneration
observed in the ageing brain. Importantly, this product restores levels of
proteins that are altered in the ageing brain, returning them to levels observed
in the young and causing beneficial neurite outgrowth and branching. In
addition, PYM50028 restores the learning and memory ability in Alzheimer's
disease models and thereby offers the potential to reverse the symptoms of
Alzheimer's disease.



The global annual market for Alzheimer's disease is estimated to be worth in
excess of $2.5 billion (source: Datamonitor); it is also estimated that in the
US, the total annual cost burden for Alzheimer's disease exceeds $100 billion
(source: US Alzheimer's Association).



Phytopharm plc

Phytopharm is focused on the research and development of novel pharmaceutical
and functional food products based on clinical and pre-clinical data generated
from medicinal plant extracts.  The Company has seven development programmes in
four disease areas: neurodegeneration, obesity and metabolic disease,
dermatology and inflammation and has a portfolio of two marketed veterinary
products.



More information concerning Phytopharm's activities can be found on its web site
at



                           http://www.phytopharm.com



This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the financial condition, results
and business achievements/performance of Phytopharm and certain of the plans and
objectives of its management.  These statements are statements that are not
historical facts.  Words such as 'should', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'estimates
', 'believes' or similar expressions, as they relate to Phytopharm, are intended
to identify forward-looking statements.  By their nature, forward-looking
statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect Phytopharm's
current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that
may not prove accurate.  There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends
or results will actually occur.  Any changes in such assumptions or expectations
could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.




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