Research Update

Phytopharm PLC
06 February 2004
                                                                 6 February 2004

                              Phytopharm plc
Positive results from European multi-centre study in canine atopic dermatitis
                         UK launch expected H1 2004

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

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted by 14
veterinary dermatologists located in the UK and France.  The aim of the study
was to determine the optimal dose for commercialisation of the product, which
consists of granules presented in a foil sachet.  One hundred and twenty dogs
with perennial atopic dermatitis were randomly allocated to receive either 100
mg/kg, 200 mg/kg (the dose used in an earlier study), 400 mg/kg or a matching
placebo, which was added to their food once daily.

The response was assessed using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity
Index (CADESI), which was scored by the supervising vets.  By the end of the
12-week dosing period there was a statistically significant reduction (-23%) in
the mean CADESI score for the 200 mg/kg group (p<0.01).  This study also
demonstrated that the benefit of P7v was most evident in the more severe cases
(baseline CADESI greater than 50).  A greater than 20% reduction in baseline
score was observed for 64% of the dogs in the 200 mg/kg group compared with only
25% of cases in the placebo group (p<0.05).  Although there was a trend to
improvement in the other treatment groups, this was not statistically
significant.

This study confirms that the optimal daily dose of P7v is 200 mg/kg and that the
product is palatable, well tolerated and has a good overall safety profile.

Canine atopic dermatitis affects 15% of dogs.  The 2002 canine atopic dermatitis
market was estimated to be around £10 million in the UK and £200 million
worldwide.

Professor David Lloyd, Chair of Veterinary Dermatology, Royal Veterinary
College, commented: 'Canine atopic dermatitis is a major problem in small animal
practice.  The promising results from this study suggest that P7v could provide
a safe and effective first line therapy for many dogs with this challenging
condition.'

Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive of Phytopharm, said: 'We anticipate the first
commercialisation of this product during H1 2004 and will announce details of
the launch programme shortly.'

                                     -ENDS-

Enquiries:

Phytopharm plc

Dr Richard Dixey, Chief Executive              Tel:          [phone]
                                               Mobile:       [phone]
Dr Wang Chong, Chief Financial Officer         Tel:          [phone]
                                               Mobile:       [phone]

Financial Dynamics

David Yates / Ben Atwell                       Tel:          [phone]


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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.

P7v contains a proprietary blend of three standardised plant extracts with a
unique mode of action that specifically inhibits the allergic and inflammatory
phases associated with atopic dermatitis.  A previous clinical study reported by
Phytopharm on October 5th 2000 demonstrated the benefit of the product in
treating canine atopic dermatitis at a dose of 200mg/kg.  The aim of the current
study was to confirm that this dose was optimal, enabling the launch of the
product for this challenging condition.

P7v has a good overall safety profile without the detrimental side effects
associated with steroids or immunosuppressants.  In the study, only three cases
(one that received 200 mg/kg and two that received 400 mg/kg) were withdrawn due
to adverse gastrointestinal effects and only two dogs refused to eat the
medicated food.

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