DATA Globaldata Plc

RNS Number:0539F
Provalis PLC
23 June 2006


PROVALIS PLC

VACCINE ASSIGNMENT WITH SANOFI PASTEUR LIMITED

Provalis plc (LSE: PRO), the Medical Diagnostics Group, has signed a Patent
Assignment Agreement with Sanofi Pasteur Limited for Provalis' vaccine
candidates to prevent streptococcus pneumoniae infection.  Sanofi Pasteur
Limited has purchased all rights to these vaccine candidates for a one-off
payment of US $1.25 million.

There have been no profits attributable to these vaccine candidates and their
gross asset value is less than #100,000. The proceeds will be used to fund
Provalis whilst the Board completes its evaluation of the options available for
Provalis' medical diagnostics business.

"The Group stopped investing in the vaccine Research & Development division in
autumn 2002.  Since then we have been pursuing a strategy of seeking partners
for those early stage vaccine candidates that were developed, in order to
maximise their value for shareholders," said Peter Woodford, Provalis Interim
Chief Executive.


                                                                    23 June 2006


For further information:

Provalis plc                                      01244 288888
Peter Woodford, Chief Executive
Lee Greenbury, Company Secretary

College Hill                                      020 7457 2020
Adrian Duffield/Corinna Dorward



Notes to Editors

Background - As announced on December 13, 2004, Provalis granted Sanofi Pasteur
Limited an exclusive, two year option to evaluate Provalis' vaccine candidates
to prevent streptococcus pneumoniae infection, with the right for Sanofi Pasteur
Limited to enter into an exclusive, worldwide licence to the patents relating to
such vaccine candidates on pre-determined terms. During the term of this Option
Agreement, Provalis and Sanofi Pasteur Limited agreed that Sanofi Pasteur
Limited would acquire the patents for a one-off payment rather than take a
licence.

Provalis' vaccine research and development from 1998 - 2002 identified a number
of vaccine candidates for common infections.  However, given the significant
costs required to fund the evaluation of lead candidates into clinical trials,
the Group concluded that this was beyond the resources of Provalis and a number
of programmes, together with all associated rights, were offered for sale or
licence.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a species of bacteria associated with
respiratory and ear infections.  It accounts for all cases of pneumonia and
30-40% of acute otitis media (middle ear) infections.  Provalis' proprietary
recombinant protein based antigens allow the development of a vaccine to prevent
or treat cases of Spn infection.



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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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