THIS SHARE WILL BE WORTH 3.00 IN 2009

From strength to strength.

AstraZeneca Updates CytoFab(TM) Development Programme.

The Phase II programme will start in the second half of 2007 and is expected to
last up to 21 months. It will be immediately followed by the initiation of the
Phase III study in the US, EU and Japan.

Looking good. The mid to end of 2009 is quit a long way off, but in the drug business it's not too long to wait. Also don't forget PTI's other products in their pipeline.

More delays now...argh


Protherics PLC
03 November 2006

Protherics PLC

AstraZeneca Updates CytoFab(TM) Development Programme

London, UK; Brentwood, TN, US; 3 November 2006 - Protherics PLC ('Protherics' or
the 'Company') and AstraZeneca today announce AstraZeneca's intention to expand
the development plan for CytoFab(TM), a treatment for severe sepsis, with the
addition of a 480 - patient Phase II study programme.

AstraZeneca has recently completed consultations with regulators in the US and
EU. These consultations confirmed that a single Phase III study could be
sufficient for regulatory approval. Furthermore, to meet the regulatory needs
of both agencies, it is required that AstraZeneca implement a Phase II study
programme to support the single global Phase III study.

Data from Phase II will be used to more accurately estimate the number of
patients required, and confirm the appropriate dose for the Phase III study, as
well as providing further supporting efficacy and safety data. This may enable a
shorter timetable for the Phase III programme than originally anticipated by
AstraZeneca.

The Phase II programme will start in the second half of 2007 and is expected to
last up to 21 months. It will be immediately followed by the initiation of the
Phase III study in the US, EU and Japan.

Under the terms of the licensing agreement, AstraZeneca is responsible for
conducting and funding the global development of CytoFab(TM) and Protherics is
responsible for product supply.

John Rex, Vice-President, Medical Director for Infection, AstraZeneca, said:

'Our goal is to optimise the chances of showing a statistically and clinically
meaningful result with CytoFab(TM), in a single, global Phase III study, while
ensuring an acceptable time to market. To increase the likelihood of success in
this complex disease and reflecting the changing regulatory environment for
biologics, we have made the decision to undertake additional clinical work. We
hope that this will help to reduce the size of and the time needed to complete
the Phase III study. We believe that this development plan will give us the best
chance of successful registration for this exciting treatment.'

Andrew Heath, Chief Executive of Protherics, said:

'CytoFab(TM) represents a major market opportunity and AstraZeneca's proposed
development programme provides the treatment with the best route to
registration. We now have a clear view of the steps needed to make this
important new treatment available to sepsis patients worldwide.'


| Ends |

Opened lower as the MM's knew that most punters would look at it as more delay, but it's not bad news. The drug industry is not a get rich today, tomorrow or even next year.
Patience is the key. Protherics must be one of the best up and coming companies in it's field. If things progress as expected, todays sp will be looked back on as a fantastic bargain. It also as stated has other products progressing nicely.

Following is an extract from a Market-wire. CytoFab, Voraxase, Prolarix, CroFab, (pit viper antivenom) and DigiFab are also mentioned.

CytoFab is a first in class anti-TNF-alpha polyclonal antibody fragment (Fab) product, which is being developed for the treatment of severe sepsis.

The most advanced products in the Company's portfolio are Voraxaze, which is expected to be approved in the US and EU in 2007, subject to regulatory reviews, as an intervention when methotrexate blood levels remain dangerously high following high doses for the treatment of cancer and CytoFab, which is being developed by AstraZeneca, initially for severe sepsis, and is expected to start an additional Phase II study in 2007.

See link for full article, it's well worth a read to reiterate what a forward looking company Protherics is.

If I had spare cash, I would be looking at this drop in the sp as a buy opportunity.

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=180059

Iam glad that Iam not the only person who has overspent on s.e.o so have no money left to buy these at this price /Ihope we have done the right thing///

Protherics to resubmit its Voraxaze(TM) BLA following FDA data request.
Still looking good for Voraxaze, but any delay is bad news even if it appears to be only 6 months (a small time in the drug world).
This looks worse than it is probably due to being on the back of the previous RNS.
Shares look a good buy at this price, as long as a term of at least 1 to 2 years is being looked at.

There will be further downtrend in the short term...IMO to 60p

Hlyeo,

Could be right but I think the drop has been overdone, they usually are.
I expect it to end the week still down but with some recovery.

The drop has been well overdone. We're in the same place we were this time yeasterday, just 6 months further away. Not a justification for such a large drop. This will definately bounce back.

but delays in product coming onto the market means loss of income. I think it will go lower.

Agree it means income coming in later (about 6 months) but if you look at the whole picture, did this delay warrant a drop of that percentage.
They have other products already producing income. Their financial situation is also good. They have a good R+D set up, excellent management and a health product line.

The Independent has Protherics as a buy

"Investors should use the recent weakness in Protherics stock, due to delays two drugs under development, as a buying opportunity.The company is among the most well-financed in the biotechnology sector. While via CytoFab, it, and partner AstraZeneca, pretty much have the 4bn sepsis market to themselves."

Hi Kim,

Nice little write up. Says it all really.
The way this day has started looks like punters are doing just that (a buying opportunity.).

Hi GM, I'm hoping this won't be as stressful as SEO!!!
kim

Kim,

I would think that would be impossible, ( I hope).

Well there was a bounce today as I predicted. More to come tomorrow?

http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/November2006/16/c5550.html

Scrip Awards
LONDON, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - "It is only the second year, but the world now
has Scrip Awards written on its heart 600-plus international guests attended the second Scrip Awards ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.


Well we all thought it was a good deal between Protherics and AstraZeneca, now it looks better than ever. This lot presumably know what they are on about.
Anything such as this bring PTI more into the public but mainly the private eye view of the pharmaceutical industry.
All the big names were obviously there. It must me like the Oscar Awards for the drug industry.
The whole article is not very interesting but if you want a look, see link.

Licensing Deal of the Year
Sponsored by Imperial Innovations
Winner - Protherics and AstraZeneca
For those who remember the deal was announced on 8th December 2005.

A ringing endorsement greekman. Let's hope this helps to settle investors nerves that have been jangling a little over the past fortnight.

Hi Q,

I think it will as it already appears to have calmed down somewhat.
No matter what the share there are always those interested in a quick buck (me included), but Protherics is one to put away for 1 to 3 years.
Obviously in the drug business, as we know no matter how well trials are going, it can go wrong at the last hurdle.

Indeed. But like you I'm squirreling away for that sunny day :-)