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06 December 2006
Second QtrolTM Project Commences Clinical Studies
West Malling, UK--Phoqus Group plc (“Phoqus”) (AIM: PQS), an oral drug delivery and development company, today announces that a formulation it is developing for GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) has entered a pharmacokinetic study in human volunteers, following a successful feasibility study.
Phoqus has undertaken an early stage formulation development project for GSK using its proprietary modified release technology, QtrolTM. The objectives of the pharmacokinetic study are to determine the release profile and bioavailability of the drug from the formulation. GSK has financed the development of the formulation and manufacture of clinical supplies by Phoqus, and is conducting the pharmacokinetic study. Results from this study are expected in the first half of 2007 after which the two parties will determine if further development is appropriate.
Phoqus’ Qtrol™ formulations control the release of a drug. Modified release approaches such as these are used to improve patient compliance by reducing the number of doses required.
Andy Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Phoqus, commented:
“This deal is another significant milestone for Phoqus, and being with one of the world’s major pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, is further validation of our technology and shows the increasing demand for modified release drugs.”
Enquiries:
Phoqus Group plc - Tel: 01732 870227
Andy Jones, CEO
Peter Johnson, CFO
Financial Dynamics - Tel: 020 7831 3113
John Gilbert
David Yates
Notes to editors
About Phoqus
Phoqus is a drug delivery company using proprietary technologies to provide an extensive range of innovative systems targeting the oral drug delivery market. Drug delivery technologies are applied to pharmaceuticals to provide benefits such as controlling the release of a drug into the body, enhancing patient compliance and improving the performance and efficacy of an existing drug. In turn, these benefits enable pharmaceutical companies to extend the life cycles of their products, strengthen their patent protection and thereby enhance the value of their marketed products and development pipelines. Phoqus is the only company using electrostatic powder coating technology for pharmaceutical applications and has over 120 granted patents.
Based in Kent, Phoqus was established in 1998 as a spin-out from Colorcon, a division of Berwind Pharmaceutical Services Inc. The Company was admitted to trading on AIM in November 2005 and is listed under the symbol "PQS".
Further background on the Company can be found at www.phoqus.com.
Phoqus Pharmaceuticals Limited
10 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4PQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1732 870227, Fax: +44 (0)1732 870228
E-mail: info@phoqus.com
