RNS Number:0774U
Alizyme PLC
12 January 2004


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            12 January 2004




                      ALIZYME FILES NEW PATENT APPLICATION

                                 FOR RENZAPRIDE


Cambridge UK, 12 January 2004: Alizyme plc (LSE:AZM) announces that a Patent
Application has been filed relating to renzapride, its compound in clinical
development for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).


This Patent Application relates to a crystal form of renzapride with improved
pharmaceutical properties, its manufacture and use in medicine. If granted, it
could provide exclusivity for this invention until 2024.


Dr. Richard Palmer (Chief Executive Officer) commented:


"The filing of this Patent Application, together with another Patent Application
filed in September 2003 covering manufacture of renzapride, results from
Alizyme's programme of work designed to extend the commercial exclusivity of
renzapride beyond its current patent life. We look forward to seeing the outcome
of this Application in commercially significant jurisdictions around the world
over the next few years."





For further information, please contact:

Dr Richard Palmer, Chief Executive Officer
Mr Tim McCarthy, Finance Director
ALIZYME plc                                        Tel No: + 44 (0)1223 896000

Lisa Baderoon

BUCHANAN COMMUNICATIONS                            Tel No: + 44 (0)20 7466 5000


Further information on Alizyme can be found on the Company's website:
www.alizyme.com


Editors Note


Alizyme plc


Alizyme is a biopharmaceutical company, based in Cambridge, UK, targeting the
treatment and management of gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and diabetes. It
has a portfolio of products which in addition to renzapride (completed Phase IIb
clinical programme for irritable bowel syndrome) includes COLAL-PREDTM? (Phase III
approval for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis), ATL-962
(completed Phase IIb trial for obesity) and ATL-104 (Phase IIa approval for
mucositis). At the appropriate time Alizyme intends to license products to
established pharmaceutical companies, which will complete development, gain
marketing approval and commercialise the products.


Irritable Bowel Syndrome


IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Important symptoms include abdominal
pain, discomfort and bloating. In IBS, the normal contractile patterns of the
gut are disrupted resulting in irregular or spasmodic bowel movements. Sufferers
may experience either a constipation or a diarrhoea predominant form of IBS or,
in 'mixed symptom' IBS, alternate between these conditions. It has been
estimated that up to 20% of adults in developed countries are affected to some
degree by IBS; of these between 20-30% consult a doctor. Current treatments,
which are aimed at providing symptomatic relief to IBS sufferers, include
laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal and antispasmodic products. These products, however,
have limited efficacy for the condition and it is generally accepted that the
market is poorly served.


Renzapride


Alizyme is currently investigating renzapride for the treatment of IBS.
Renzapride is a potent full 5-HT4 receptor agonist; it is also an antagonist at
5-HT3 receptors. These 5-HT receptors are believed to play a key role in
controlling gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity. The unique, dual
pharmacological profile of renzapride differentiates it from other drugs
currently in development for the treatment of IBS. Renzapride was discovered by
Beecham Research Laboratories and investigated by them initially as a
gastrointestinal prokinetic agent for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux
disease. Following a collaborative agreement, Alizyme obtained full ownership of
patents relating to renzapride from SmithKline Beecham prior to its merger with
GlaxoWellcome.





The identification of compounds for successful research, their progress through
development and the obtaining of regulatory approvals or authorisations before
marketing, manufacture and/or distribution of products is not certain or a
formality.






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