Collaboration with Ferring

RNS Number:2796T
BioFocus PLC
16 December 2003


For Immediate Release                                    16 December 2003


          BIOFOCUS AND FERRING TO COLLABORATE ON VALIDATED DRUG TARGET

   BioFocus technology will be applied to discover new treatments targeted to
                                 women's health


Chesterford Research Park, UK, 16 December 2003 - BioFocus plc (AIM: BIO), a
world leader in collaborative drug discovery, today announces it has entered
into an agreement with Ferring Research Limited to apply its innovative Soft
FocusTM technology to a known drug target.

This new collaboration will combine BioFocus's powerful drug discovery
technologies with Ferring's extensive expertise in women's health.

BioFocus and Ferring will work together on discovering novel 'lead' compounds
which could be developed into drugs that would offer an oral alternative to
existing inconvenient therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioFocus will receive technology access fees,
research fees and success fees, and Ferring will gain access to BioFocus's Soft
FocusTM technology and world-class medicinal chemistry expertise.

Geoff McMillan, BioFocus's Chief Executive, said:  "We are delighted to be
collaborating with Ferring on this pioneering project.  Once more, BioFocus has
proven to be the partner of choice for providing solutions to the pharmaceutical
industry."

Robert Haigh, Managing Director of Ferring Research Limited, said "Ferring
Research are at the forefront of scientific research in women's health. The
collaboration with BioFocus will ensure continued success in this important
area."


About BioFocus

BioFocus is a leading drug discovery company working in partnership with major
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.  Additionally it is developing a
portfolio of internal drug discovery programmes aimed at providing drug leads
for partnering.  The company was founded in 1997 and is quoted on the
Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.  BioFocus works with
a wide range of global clients and in 2002 provided services and/or products to
22 leading pharmaceutical companies.


About Ferring

Ferring is a research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in
global markets.  The company identifies, develops and markets innovative
products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology,
infertility and urology.

In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and
now has operating subsidiaries in over 40 countries.


            To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit
                               www.Ferring.com

For further information


BioFocus                                                 [phone]
Geoff McMillan, Chief Executive

Ferring Research Limited
Robert Haigh, Managing Director                          [phone]

Buchanan Communications                                  [phone]
Tim Anderson/Rebecca Skye Dietrich


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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