Screen Validates MNLpharma’s Compound Activity

Maidenhead, UK: 31 January 2005 – MNLpharma (formerly Molecularnature) today announced results of a chemical genomics screening deal with VASTox. The collaboration provided valuable in vivo data on MNL’s proprietary immunomodulators and establishes VASTox’s screening technology as a powerful tool for gaining insight into disease pathways and additional applications.

A number of MNL’s proprietary naturally occurring, small molecules with already defined disease targets were put through VASTox screens in a “blinded” fashion. VASTox’s screens picked out the correct targets and provided valuable in vivo data on compound activity.

Dr Steven Lee, CEO of VASTox commented: “Of crucial importance to us is that we add value for clients using our leading technology, and grow this service area of the company. This deal validated how well our chemical genomics screen works technically. Our platform showed an exceptionally high level of biological activity in MNL’s compounds compared with others we have reviewed. We were impressed by the variety of targets and pathways for which MNL have active compounds. We look forward to working with MNL to further characterise the compounds and confirm mechanism.”

Hadyn Parry, CEO of MNLpharma commented: “VASTox technology has further enhanced our knowledge surrounding a portfolio of compounds by providing independent exemplification of the activity and commercial potential. This technology provides a valuable alternative to the traditional in vitro / in vivo drug development model. “

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Contact details:
Hadyn Parry, CEO
MNLpharma
T: +44 (0)1628773583

Katja Stout/Ashley Lilly
Northbank Communications
T: +44 (0)207 886 8153
a.lilly@northbankcommunications.com

About MNLpharma

MNLpharma (formerly Molecularnature) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of naturally occurring small molecule immunomodulators for the treatment of disease. The Company’s in-house programmes are targeted at the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases and other immune disorders. For more information, visit http://www.mnlpharma.com .

About VASTox

VASTox is a chemical genomics technology company that both provides services to the pharmaceutical industry, and discovers and develops proprietary novel drugs. The company’s technology platform aims to use high volume, high content screening using zebrafish and fruitflies to provide a high level of predictability of the efficacy and toxicity of potential drug compounds in humans which has the potential to dramatically decrease the time and cost of drug discovery and development. VASTox was formed in January 2003 by an eminent group of scientists from the University of Oxford. The company listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM in October 2004.