(PYM.L) Phytopharm PLC Buy/Sell

RNS Number : 9179H Phytopharm PLC 02 March 2010

2 March 2010

2010 Annual General Meeting

Phytopharm announces the publication of its Notice of its Annual General Meeting for 2010. The Meeting will be held on 30 March 2010 at 11.00 a.m., at Financial Dynamics, Holborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1PB.

Copies of the Notice of Annual General Meeting will shortly be available on the Company's website www.phytopharm.com and be available for inspection at the Document Viewing Facility at:

Financial Services Authority 25 The North Colonnade Canary Wharf London

E14 5HS

For further information contact:

Zoe McGowan, Company Secretary +44 (0)1480 437697

This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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RNS Number : 9879G
  Phytopharm PLC
  11 February 2010
   

11 February 2010

Interim Management Statement

Phytopharm plc (PYM: London Stock Exchange) ("Phytopharm" or the "Company") today issues its Interim Management Statement ("IMS") which relates to the period from 1 October 2009 to 11 February 2010 and contains information up to the date of publication of this IMS.

Highlights for the period

·      Phytopharm announced headline results from the successful completion of two key studies in October 2009: 

o  A non-clinical efficacy study in the gold-standard, non-clinical model of Parkinson's disease (PD). 

§ The oral administration of Cogane* over 18 weeks significantly reduced parkinsonian disability by 43% in non-human primates, which will be clinically significant if repeated in PD patients.

§ A statistically significant reduction in parkinsonian symptoms was reached after 9 weeks of administration of Cogane*, and the effect was still increasing at the end of the study at week 18.  This study was funded by a $1.16 million grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's disease.

o  A Phase Ib safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic clinical study with Cogane*. 

§ Cogane* was shown to be safe and generally well tolerated in both healthy volunteers and PD patients over the 28 day study period.

§ At steady state, plasma levels in PD patients taking Cogane* at a dose of 150 mg/day reached levels associated with efficacy in the non-human primate study and other non-clinical disease models of PD.

·      £24.1 million net raised in December 2009 through a Placing and Open Offer. 

·      Appointment of Mr Roger Hickling as Research and Development Director and Phytopharm Board Director in January 2010.

Outlook

Following the successful Placing and Open Offer in December 2009 Phytopharm is executing the agreed strategy. The principal focus is progression of product candidates for treating neurodegenerative diseases in our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline. 

The top priority is Cogane* for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: 

·      Phytopharm has initiated the necessary preparatory and regulatory activities with a CRO for the planned Cogane* Phase II proof of concept and dose range finding clinical study to demonstrate efficacy and determine the optimal dose of Cogane* in PD patients. A letter of intent has been signed with the CRO & the contractual discussions are proceeding. 

·      In parallel, product development work on Cogane* is being undertaken to improve the commercial & technical viability of its manufacture/drug formulation so that the information is available for a rapid progression into the clinical trials.

·      The intent is to begin the Cogane* study with patients with PD in the USA in mid 2010. The study will then be extended into several other countries and is due for completion in early 2012.

Development of Cogane*, Myogane* and other Sapogenin compounds for identified neuro-degenerative disease opportunities will be considered as data from pre-clinical studies is available during 2010, considering commercial opportunities.

Phytopharm continues to maintain strong relationships with key disease specific charities and pursue other sources of non-dilutive funding. These contacts will be progressed as will applications for further non-dilutive funding, as appropriate. Decisions on the current applications for non-dilutive funding are not expected until later in Q2, 2010.

Expenditure on the Group's residual functional food programmes remains limited and efforts are mainly focussed on pursuing new partnering arrangements.

As indicated at the time of the Open Offer in December 2009, the Board intends to appoint a new CEO. The search is underway and progressing as planned. An announcement will be made when the selection process is satisfactorily completed.

Notes to Editors 

 Enquiries                             U.K. Investor Relations
 Phytopharm plc                        FD
 Sandy Morrison, CEO                   Ben Atwell
 +441480 437 697                       John Dineen
 Roger Hickling, R&D Director          +44 207 831 3113
 +44 1480 437 697                    

Phytopharm plc

Phytopharm is focused on the development of its pharmaceutical programmes and has a residual portfolio of functional foods. The Company's products are developed predominantly from medicinal plants, thereby reducing the development risk of a product. The Company has focused its research and development activities on areas of high unmet health needs to deliver cures and relieve suffering for longer healthier lives.

As a virtual company, the Company's business model is centred on a lean cash burn with all laboratory, manufacturing and clinical work outsourced to specialists, while core competencies such as strategy and management are maintained in-house. Close collaboration with charitable organisations enhances the Company's interaction with scientists and clinicians, who lead and develop expert opinion. Cash grants from them accelerate the Company's development programmes, thereby increasing their value.

Phytopharm is listed on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange. Further information on Phytopharm is available from the Company's website www.phytopharm.com

Company pipeline

                                                                        Development status
 Programme                  Product               Description           Preclinical  Phase I  Phase II  Phase III  Marketed
 Pharmaceutical programmes
 Alzheimer's disease        Cogane*               Orally active,        X            X        X
                                                  neurotrophic factor
                                                  inducer
 Parkinson's disease        Cogane*               Orally active,        X            X
                                                  neurotrophic factor
                                                  inducer
 ALS                        Myogane*              Orally active,        X            X
                                                  neurotrophic factor
                                                  inducer
 Huntington's disease       Cogane*               Orally active,        X
                                                  neurotrophic factor
                                                  inducer
 Asthma & COPD              PYM60001 series       TRPV1-modulator.      X
                                                  Anti-inflammatory
                                                  and airway relaxant
                                                  and prevents airways
                                                  remodelling
 Vascular dementia (China)  PYM60086              Improves cerebral     X
                                                  blood flow and
                                                  memory
 Functional Food programmes
 Canine skin health         Phytopica®            Natural, three plant  X            X        X         X          X
                                                  product for canine
                                                  skin health
 Weight management          Hoodiagordoniiextrac  Reduces calorific     X            X        X
                            t                     intake

Forward-looking statements 

Certain information included in these statements is forward-looking and involves risk and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. 

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions, market estimates, the Company's plans and objectives for future operations, including future revenues, financial plans and expected expenditures and divestments.  All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this announcement.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the Company's forward looking statements to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of the Company.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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RNS Number : 6000F Phytopharm PLC 15 January 2010

15 January 2010

Phytopharm Announces appointment of Research and Development Director

GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (15 January 2010) - Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM) ("Phytopharm" or "the Company") today announces the appointment of Mr Roger Hickling as the new Research and Development Director and as a Board Director with immediate effect.

Mr Hickling has a BSc in Chemistry from Kings College, University of London and over 30 years experience in pharmaceutical R & D. This includes management of development portfolios and projects from preclinical through to Phase IV covering a range of disease areas.

In addition, Mr Hickling has extensive experience in international regulatory affairs, including clinical trials and marketing applications.

Between 1976 and 1998 Mr Hickling worked at SmithKline Beecham where he oversaw both in-house and partnered early stage neuroscience development projects.

Mr Hickling held a variety of positions at several pharmaceutical companies between 1998 and 2009 including Alizyme Therapeutics plc. He was appointed to the Board of Alizyme as R & D Director in 2006 with responsibility for R & D strategy development, all R & D operations and staff.

There are no further disclosures to be made under paragraphs 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules and 3.1.2R of the Disclosure Rules in respect of Mr Hickling.

Keith Thomson, the Interim COO, will be working closely with Mr Hickling during the coming weeks before stepping down later in Q1, 2010.

As indicated in the successful Phytopharm Placing and Open Offer prospectus in December 2009, the intention is to secure the services of a new CEO to strengthen the Board further. The search for a new CEO is now also underway and is progressing as planned. Further announcements will be made when the selection process is completed.

Alistair Taylor, Chairman commented: "We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Phytopharm Board. His knowledge and experience of product development and regulatory aspects in particular will prove a valuable resource to the Phytopharm Board. Roger's appointment strengthens our ability to drive our research and development programmes forward following our successful fundraising in December 2009".

Notes to Editors
Enquiries U.K. Investor Relations
Phytopharm plc FD
Sandy Morrison, CEO Ben Atwell
+44 1480 437 697 John Dineen
Alistair Taylor +44 20 7269 7193

Non-executive Chairman +44 1480 437 697

Phytopharm is focused on the development of its pharmaceutical programmes and has a residual portfolio of functional foods. The Company's products are developed predominantly from medicinal plants, thereby reducing the development risk of a product. The Company has focused its research and development activities on areas of high unmet health needs to deliver cures and relieve suffering for longer healthier lives. As a virtual company, the Company's business model is centred on a lean cash burn with all laboratory, manufacturing and clinical work outsourced to specialists, while core competencies such as strategy and management are maintained in-house. Close collaboration with charitable organisations enhances the Company's interaction with scientists and clinicians, who lead and develop expert opinion. Cash grants from them accelerate the Company's development programmes, thereby increasing their value.

Phytopharm is listed on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange. Further information on Phytopharm is available from the Company's website www.phytopharm.co.uk.

Pharmaceutical programmes

Phytopharm currently has two pharmaceutical products in clinical development, Cogane* and Myogane*. Cogane* is an orally active, neurotrophic factor being developed as a disease modifying agent for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease and also has the potential as a treatment for other neurodegenerative diseases. Myogane* is an orally active neurotrophic factor inducer being developed as a disease modifying agent for ALS (also known as Lou Gherig's disease) with the potential to treat other orphan neurodegenerative diseases.

Phytopharm has two further products in preclinical development, PYM60001 series for Asthma and COPD, and PYM60086 for vascular dementia.

Forward-looking statements

Certain information included in these statements is forward-looking and involves risk and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions, market estimates, the Company's plans and objectives for future operations, including future revenues, financial plans and expected expenditures and divestments. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this announcement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events of otherwise.

It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the Company's forward looking statements to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of the Company.

This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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RNS Number : 0217F Phytopharm PLC 05 January 2010
TR-1: notification of major interests in shares
1. Identity of the issuer or the underlying issuer of existing shares to which voting rights are attached: Phytopharm plc
2. Reason for the notification (please tick the appropriate box or boxes)

An acquisition or disposal of voting rights An acquisition or disposal of financial instruments which may result in the acquisition of shares already issued to which voting rights are attached An event changing the breakdown of voting rights
Other (please specify): Placing and a change in the ISC X
3. Full name of person(s) subject to the notification obligation: Gartmore Investment Limited
4. Full name of shareholder(s) (if different from 3.): See 9
5. Date of the transaction (and date on which the threshold is crossed or reached if different) 31 December 2009
6. Date on which issuer notified: 4 January 2010
7. Threshold(s) that is/are crossed or reached: 7%

8. Notified details: A: Voting rights attached to shares
Class/type of shares Situation previous to the Triggering Resulting situation after the triggering transaction
if possible using the ISIN transaction

Number of Shares Number of Voting Number of shares Number of voting rights % of voting rights
Rights
Direct Direct x Indirect xi Direct Indirect
Ordinary 1 Pence 10,530,299 10,530,299 23,348,755 Nil 25,348,755 Nil 7.312%

B: Financial Instruments Resulting situation after the triggering transaction
Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/ Conversion Number of voting % of voting rights
Period/ Date rights that may be
acquired if the
instrument is
exercised/
converted.

Total (A+B) Number of voting rights % of voting rights
25,348,755 7.312%

9. Chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held, if applicable:

Name of the Company/Fund Number of Shares % of issued share
capital
Gartmore Fund Managers Ltd A/C 2,106,746 0.608%

Gartmore UK & Irish Smaller Companies
Gartmore Investment Limited - 21,376,704 6.166%

Gartmore Fledgling Trust plc
Gartmore Investment Limited - 1,865,305 0.538%

Strathclyde Pension Fund
Total direct Nil Nil
Total Indirect 25,348,755 7.312%
Total 25,348,755 7.312%

Proxy Voting: 10. Name of the proxy holder: 11. Number of voting rights proxy holder will cease to hold: 12. Date on which proxy holder will cease to hold voting rights:

13. Additional information: Notification using the total voting rights
figure of 346,677,433
14. Contact name: Zoe McGowan, Company Secretary

15. Contact telephone number: 01480 437697

This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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