Peakdale launches 2^nd GPCR targeted library ahead of plan

Chapel-en-le-Frith, UK, July 21, 2004 - Peakdale Molecular announces the expansion of its Peakexplorer™ screening libraries, with the launch of a second G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) focused collection.

The G2 library, which has been launched six weeks earlier than scheduled, combines the Company’s expertise in proprietary chemistry with De Novo Pharmaceutical’s state-of-the-art in silico design. This set supplements the G1 set and is based around the same six chemotypes, balancing recognisable GPCR privileged substructures with novel Peakdale chemistry.  These highly focused libraries total nearly 2,500 novel, drug-like compounds and are now available for screening to broaden the exploration of GPCR-relevant chemical space.

Kimberley Morrison, CEO of Peakdale Molecular, commented, “Our customers benefit from the unique chemistry competencies we have built from over ten years of contract chemistry experience, enabling the exploration of novel chemistry space in their search for new drugs.  The expansion of Peakexplorer™ with the G2 library carries on this initiative and illustrates the on-going success of our collaboration with De Novo.”

Gareth Jenkins, Business Development Manager at the Company, added, “Peakdale has built an excellent reputation for delivering compounds on time and in full.  The early launch of the G2 library, originally scheduled for the end of August, demonstrates this once again.  Subsequently we have made great progress on our third GPCR library which covers a new set of chemotypes and we are optimistic that this can be delivered in September - two months earlier than planned.”

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About Peakdale Molecular

Peakdale Molecular was founded in 1992.  Today, the Company’s customers include global pharmaceutical majors and an increasing number of biotechnology companies. Its team of chemists combines experience in pharmaceutical R&D and process development, fine chemicals, parallel synthesis and medicinal chemistry to deliver unique chemistry solutions to a range of drug discovery challenges.  Over the last two years, Peakdale has expanded to over 65 staff and now operates in three distinct markets providing novel screening compounds, catalogue intermediates and service chemistry. Further information about the Company and its Peakexplorer GPCR-libraries is provided at www.peakdale.co.uk and www.peakexplorer.com, respectively.

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