BioProgress & FMC BioPolymer

RNS Number:0547R
BioProgress PLC
20 October 2003


Press Release                                                    20 October 2003

                               BioProgress plc

        BioProgress announces the execution of a Letter of Intent with
      FMC BioPolymer to exclusively license one of its new dosage forms


BioProgress plc (AIM: BPRG), a provider of innovative delivery mechanisms for
the pharmaceutical oral dosage markets, announces today it has executed a Letter
of Intent to enter into a global strategic alliance with FMC BioPolymer, a
division of FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a US based corporation with annual
revenues of approximately $2 billion.

FMC BioPolymer is a global leader in the supply of products and services to the
pharmaceutical and life science industries.  The Letter of Intent announced
today is the culmination of several months of discussions and collaboration,
during which FMC concluded that BioProgress is developing technology that
complements and potentially enhances its current product portfolio.  The
companies anticipate that a final contract will be completed during the fourth
quarter of 2003.

The Letter of Intent provides that, under the formal agreement, FMC Biopolymer
will acquire an exclusive worldwide license for the BioProgress NROBE(R) dosage
form, process, equipment and enabling technology.  FMC BioPolymer will be solely
responsible for commercialisation of NROBE(R) systems and associated films.

The Letter of Intent enables BioProgress and FMC BioPolymer to collaborate on
the construction of a purpose-built pharmaceutical standard (cGMP) film
production facility, believed to be the first such facility in Europe and only
the second in the world, at the BioProgress site in Cambridgeshire UK.

Graham Hind, Chief Executive of BioProgress, said: "NROBE(R) is a big
proposition for the pharmaceutical industry and it has the potential to change
the way drugs are delivered.  While offering a tremendous long-term opportunity,
the NROBE(R) technology is the most challenging of our new dosage forms for a
small company like BioProgress to commercialise effectively.  This is an
important strategic alliance for BioProgress as FMC BioPolymer operates
globally, has well established pharmaceutical experience and reputation, and
senior level relationships with major pharmaceutical companies."

Commenting on today's announcement, David Simcox, General Manager of FMC's
Pharmaceutical business said: "FMC BioPolymer is constantly looking for new
opportunities to develop and enhance its product and service offerings to
customers.  NROBE(R) may revolutionise pharmaceutical dose form design,
providing the industry with a unique and effective new solid oral dosage form."


                                    - Ends -

Media Enquiries

BioProgress plc
Graham Hind, Chief Executive                           Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]                                   www.bioprogress.com

Bankside for BioProgress plc
Henry Harrison-Topham / Heather Salmond                 Tel: + 44 (20) 7444 4140
[e-mail]                                    www.bankside.com

For FMC BioPolymer
Robin Mitchell                                              Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]


Notes to editors:

BioProgress plc

BioProgress listed on AIM in May 2003 and is engaged in the research,
development, and design of patented encapsulation systems that use water soluble
and biodegradable films for the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and other
sectors.  The Company holds 15 patents with a further 38 pending and has product
development agreements with several global companies.  BioProgress aims to
provide a cost effective and animal-free encapsulation process for
pharmaceutical drugs in liquids, tablets and powders, thereby addressing the
needs of the entire market for oral dosage forms while providing novel delivery
mechanisms not possible with traditional processes.

The Company has also developed patented and licensed the world's first flushable
ostomy pouch that offers a newly enhanced quality of life not previously
possible for the end user.  Market research shows the global ostomy market to be
worth $1 billion annually.

The Company's business model provides it with several significant revenue
streams including sales of encapsulating machines and film, plus licence and
fees for research development services.


FMC Corporation

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) is a diversified chemical company serving
agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century
with innovative solutions, applications and quality products.  The company
employs approximately 5,500 people throughout the world.  The company divides
its businesses into three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals,
and Industrial Chemicals.


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