Machine delivery & agreements

RNS Number:5288P
BioProgress PLC
09 September 2003

Press Release                                                   9 September 2003

                              BioProgress plc

             The delivery of the first XGEL(R) NROBE(R) machine
                and the execution of two further agreements

BioProgress plc, a provider of innovative delivery mechanisms for the
pharmaceutical oral dosage markets, has completed the design and build of the
first pilot scale version of its XGEL(R) NROBE(R) technology, which will now be
delivered to Farmasierra in Madrid Spain.  The pilot scale machine is fully
representative of the full scale NROBE(R) machine.

Farmasierra can now commence a programme of new product development and
comparative studies to generate data which shows the major benefits of the NROBE
(R) technology in improving release characteristics and drug performance when
compared with standard dosage forms.

Dr Tomas Olleros, President and CEO of Farmasierra said: "We are pleased to be
the first in the World with the NROBE(R) technology.  The delivery of the pilot
scale machine will enable us to broaden our development programme and build on
the work already completed.  We believe the NROBE(R) technology opens up the
possibility of significant formulation improvements to existing pharmaceutical
products and the formulation of new products with enhanced active delivery
performance.  The NROBE(R) technology also streamlines the manufacturing process
by eliminating several stages required in traditional tablet dosage form
production."

Graham Hind, CEO of BioProgress said: "Farmasierra is an important customer for
BioProgress as they have a fully pharmaceutically approved manufacturing
facility in Madrid.  We believe the real opportunity for our NROBE(R) technology
is the improvement of existing and the development of new (Rx) prescription
medicines.

The development and validation work for products in this sector must be done
within a facility approved for pharmaceutical manufacturing.  Farmasierra can
now provide Research and Development services in the NROBE(R) technology for all
the major global pharmaceutical companies, enabling them to validate and assess
the advantages offered by the NROBE(R) technology."

XGEL(R) NROBE(R) is one of four new dosage forms BioProgress is developing under
the XGEL(R) family of products. The others are: SWALLOW, a new non-gelatin
liquid filled capsule process; TABWRAP(R), a new tablet wrapping process which
eliminates the need for traditional tablet coating processes, and; SEPTUM(R), a
new dosage form which enables the encapsulation of two non-compatible active
ingredients in the same shell delivering each at a different time or site in the
body.

BioProgress also announces the execution of two further development agreements.
The names of the companies and the products involved must remain confidential
for commercial reasons.

The first is the second phase of an agreement which has been running for nearly
a year and involves the transfer of a major global product into BioProgress XGEL
(R) technology.

The second is a new development agreement with another major top ten
Pharmaceutical company working with BioProgress for the first time.


                                    - Ends -



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


Media enquiries:
Bankside
Heather Salmond / Julian Bosdet                        Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]                           www.bankside.com


Notes to editors:

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.


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