Alizyme Honored Twice by Frost & Sullivan With Technology Innovation of the Year Awards for Prescription Drugs

Business Wire, Jan 10, 2005

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- In a recent research study titled "U.S. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Therapeutics Markets," Frost & Sullivan recognized Alizyme with the 2004 Technology Innovation of the Year Award in response to the company's dedication towards finding a medication that will aid those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Alizyme also received Frost & Sullivan's 2003 Technology Innovation of the Year Award in the Emerging Anti-Obesity Prescription Drug Markets.

A drug development company that develops novel products to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs, Alizyme is striving to help those that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Toward this end, Alizyme acquired Renzapride, a novel benzamide derivative initially discovered at Beecham Research Laboratories, and redirected it for the treatment of IBS.

Renzapride has the dual properties of a 5-HT3 antagonist and a 5-HT4 full agonist. The 5-HT3 receptor blockade increases the visceral pain threshold of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract while reducing muscle activity and secretion, helping patients afflicted with diarrhea. The 5-HT4 receptor stimulation has a prokinetic effect on nerve hypersensitivity in the gut, speeding up the motility of the GI tract and helping those suffering from constipation.

So far, the compound has gone through a successful 510-patient Phase IIb clinical trial in constipation-predominant IBS (c-IBS) patients and a 160-patient Phase IIb study in patients suffering from mixed-symptom IBS (m-IBS). The Phase IIb c-IBS clinical trial demonstrated safety and efficacy across the patient population. The Phase IIb m-IBS clinical trial confirmed safety and efficacy for patients who have no multi-symptom treatment option.

Renzapride potentially represents significant advancement over the current 5-HT modulators on the market and could contribute to a substantial increase in the number of patients seeking treatment. Because of this pioneering compound, Alizyme is the recipient of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award.

This Award recognizes excellence in technology innovation, the ability to leverage technology for multiple product offerings, and the degree to which the technological innovation is revolutionary, addressing unmet needs in the market.

"While medication such as Zelnorm is indicated only for women with c-IBS, Renzapride's unique pharmacology potentially enables it to treat males and females suffering from c-IBS," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Patrick Rajan. "It also could be the first treatment option for those who suffer from mixed-symptom IBS."

Alizyme received the 2003 Technology Innovation of the Year Award in the Emerging Anti-Obesity Prescription Drug Markets for its Lipase inhibitor product ATL 962. ATL 962 inhibits the gastrointestinal lipase, which reduces the digestion of food, resulting in reduced fat absorption, but with minimal side effects.

"ATL 962 is being developed to treat obesity and obesity coupled with associated diseases, such as Type-II diabetes," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst, K.V. Anantharaman. "Frost & Sullivan believes ATL 962 has the potential to be in the blockbuster territory."

ALT 962 is currently undergoing phase IIb trials and is expected to reach the market by 2008.

About Alizyme plc

Alizyme is a speciality pharmaceutical development company, based in Cambridge, U.K., targeting the treatment and management of gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and diabetes. It has a portfolio of products: ATL-962 (completed Phase IIb in obesity, currently in Phase IIb in obese diabetics), renzapride (completed Phase II for irritable bowel syndrome), COLAL-PRED(TM) (completed Phase II for the treatment/maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis), and ATL-104 (in Phase IIa for mucositis).

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company founded in 1961, partners with clients to create value through innovative growth strategies. The foundation of this partnership approach is our Growth Partnership Services platform, whereby we provide industry research, marketing strategies, consulting, and training to our clients to help grow their business. A key benefit that Frost & Sullivan brings to its clients is a global perspective on a broad range of industries, markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. With a client list that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, as well as the investment community, Frost & Sullivan has evolved into one of the premier growth consulting companies in the world. For more information, visit www.frost.com.