RNS Number:5882P
Antisoma PLC
10 September 2003

Antisoma in-licenses telomerase inhibitor programme from Cancer Research
Technology

10 September 2003, London, UK: Antisoma plc, (LSE: ASM; Nasdaq Europe: ASOM) the
biopharmaceutical company specialising in novel anti-cancer drugs, today
announces that it has in-licensed a programme of telomerase inhibitors from
Cancer Research Technology Ltd, the technology transfer arm of the charity
Cancer Research UK.  This programme was developed by Professor Stephen Neidle,
working first at the Institute of Cancer Research and more recently at the
University of London School of Pharmacy. Under the licensing agreement, Antisoma
has obtained rights to a number of existing molecules and an option on further
telomerase inhibitors generated by Professor Neidle's group over the next three
years.

Telomeres are the protective regions found at the ends of chromosomes (the
structures into which the genetic material, DNA, is packaged in each cell of the
human body).  In normal cells, telomeres act as a 'life clock', shortening
slightly each time the cell divides. Once the telomeres fall below a critical
length, the cell undergoes the self-destruct process known as apoptosis or
programmed cell death. This is part of the natural process of cellular ageing
and removal of old cells to be replaced by new ones. Cancer cells make an enzyme
called telomerase that allows them to maintain their telomeres at a length just
sufficient to avoid entering the self-destruct pathway. Telomerase thus enables
cancer cells to divide continually and indefinitely, a property fundamental to
the progression of the disease. By blocking the action of this enzyme,
telomerase inhibitors can prevent the maintenance of telomeres and force cancer
cells into apoptosis.

Glyn Edwards, CEO of Antisoma, said 'Telomerase inhibitors have the potential
for broad application against both solid and blood cancers because the
telomerase enzyme is important to all types of cancer cell. This programme is an
excellent addition to our preclinical portfolio.'

Enquiries:

Antisoma plc
Glyn Edwards, Chief Executive Officer                  Tel: +44 (0)20 8799 8200

Financial Dynamics
Jonathan Birt                                          Tel: +44 (0)20 7831 3113

Except for the historical information presented, certain matters discussed in
this statement are forward looking statements that are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. These risks and uncertainties may be associated with product
discovery and development, including statements regarding the company's clinical
development programmes, the expected timing of clinical trials and regulatory
filings. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but
actual results may differ materially.

About Antisoma

Based in London, UK, Antisoma is a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel
products for the treatment of cancer. The Company fills its development pipeline
by acquiring promising new product candidates from internationally recognised
academic or cancer research institutions.  Its core activity is the preclinical
and clinical development of these drug candidates. Antisoma forms partnerships
with pharmaceutical companies to bring its products to market.  In November
2002, Antisoma signed a ground-breaking collaboration agreement with Roche to
develop and commercialise products from Antisoma's pipeline. Please visit
www.antisoma.com for further information.

About Cancer Research Technology Limited

Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist technology transfer
company which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit
of cancer patients. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest
independent funder of cancer research in the world. CRT works closely with
leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect
intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with
commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of
new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies.


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