Research Update

RNS Number:7040N
Antisoma PLC
18 July 2003

Completion of R1549 ovarian cancer trial now expected between December 2003 and
February 2004



London, July 18 2003 -- Antisoma plc, the UK-based biotechnology company, today
announces a revised projection for the completion date of the pivotal phase III
SMART study of R1549 (formerly Pemtumomab) in ovarian cancer. This is now
expected to fall between December 2003 and February 2004 (previous guidance was
February-August 2004).  The projection was provided by the trial's independent
Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) at a meeting held yesterday.



At the same meeting, the DSMC carried out a scheduled interim analysis of
survival data from the trial and its regular review of safety data. Following
these actions, the DSMC has stated that there are no unexpected safety concerns
or other reasons why the SMART trial should not continue to its final end point.
The recommendation is in line with the expectations of Antisoma and Roche, the
partner with whom Antisoma is co-developing R1549 and other cancer products.



Glyn Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Antisoma, commented: "As the SMART
study nears completion we are working closely with Roche to ensure that we are
in the best possible position to file regulatory submissions in the US and
Europe."





Enquiries:


Antisoma plc
Glyn Edwards, Chief Executive Officer                Tel: [phone]

Financial Dynamics
Jonathan Birt                                        Tel: [phone]



Notes to Editors



SMART trial

The SMART (Study of Monoclonal Antibody Radioimmuno-Therapy) trial examines the
efficacy and tolerability of R1549 in women with ovarian cancer. It is a pivotal
phase III study including more than 420 women worldwide.



R1549

R1549 is based on a mouse monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to an
abnormal form of mucin (MUC1), a protein found on the surface of cells in many
types of solid tumour, including those of the ovary, stomach, lung, breast and
prostate. The antibody is attached to the radioisotope Yttrium-90, which
irradiates and destroys the cells bound by the antibody and those in close
proximity.



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 pre-clinical
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. Visit
www.antisoma.com for further information about Antisoma or R1549.


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