Antisoma appoints HCC De Facto to spearhead financial communications in mainland Europe

London, UK, 19th May 2003. HCC De Facto, Europe's leading specialist life science communications group, today announced that it has been appointed to provide pan-European public relations counsel to Antisoma (LSE:ASM,NASD: ASOM) , a UK biotechnology company developing novel products for the treatment of cancer, with the aim of raising the Company's profile among mainland European investors. 

Following a competitive pitch involving three leading agencies, HCC De Facto was chosen to develop public relations initiatives to increase investor exposure for Antisoma through both pan-European programmes and local communications in major European countries, contributing to a measurable increase in share trading by non-UK investors. Antisoma has a diverse portfolio of products in development, four of which are being evaluated in clinical trials. The Company's product candidates target tumours by several different mechanisms and are intended for the treatment of a range of cancers. Antisoma was founded in 1998 and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange and on Nasdaq Europe.

Commenting on HCC De Facto's appointment, Daniel Elger, Head of Corporate Communications at Antisoma said: "HCC De Facto will play an important role in a new drive to showcase Antisoma to mainland European investors. Their strength in our key markets and track record in biotechnology were the major factors in our selection."

The Antisoma account will be serviced from HCC De Facto's London and Munich offices and headed by David Dible.

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Note to editors
HCC De Facto is an award-winning, full service PR consultancy with offices in London and Munich. Specialising in healthcare and the life sciences, the Company has built a strong reputation internationally through its ability to create value-adding, integrated communications programmes. 
HCC De Facto's client base includes small start-ups, life science companies, large pharmaceutical and medical device companies, trade associations and Government initiatives across Europe as well as in Singapore, Japan and the US.

For further information, please contact:
Richard Anderson, Managing Director tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300 email: r.anderson@hccdefacto.com David Dible, Director tel +44 (0)20 7496 3300 email: d.dible@hccdefacto.com Additional information on HCC De Facto Group plc can be found at www.hccdefacto.com

Kind regards,

Clare McMillan
Account Co-ordinator

HCC De Facto Group plc
1 London Wall Buildings
London Wall
London
EC2M 5PG

Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300
Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355 ______________________________________________________________________________