VOX Vox Valor Capital Limited

RNS Number:4626U
VASTox plc
22 November 2005


For immediate release                                          22 November 2005


                                   VASTox plc
                          ("VASTox" or "the Company")

     Initiation of a Fourth Proprietary Programme in BMP Signalling Pathway



Oxford, UK: 22 November 2005 - VASTox plc (AIM: VOX), the drug discovery and
services business, is pleased to announce that it has initiated a new drug
discovery programme focused on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling
pathway and, in particular, its role in osteoarthritis.  This is VASTox's fourth
proprietary programme alongside Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular
Atrophy and Tuberculosis.



VASTox will use its chemical genomics platform technology involving zebrafish
embryos (Danio rerio) to screen its proprietary library of chemicals.  By
searching for small molecules that perturb the BMP pathway, VASTox looks to
generate lead compounds with efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis.  The
zebrafish, as a vertebrate, shows a strong genetic similarity with humans and
VASTox's own zebrafish make an ideal screen for BMP.  This programme leverages
off the years of research by Professor Roger Patient of the Weatherall Institute
of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, who sits on the Company's
Scientific Advisory Board.  VASTox will retain all the intellectual property
arising from this programme.


Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases of old age and there are
currently no treatments which directly treat the disease process.  Degeneration
of the cartilage in the joints, especially the hands, knees and hips, causes
bones to rub together - causing damage and often debilitating pain.  Current
therapies focus on relieving pain or swelling but cannot improve the underlying
condition because they do not cause damaged cartilage to grow back.



Dr Steven Lee, CEO of VASTox, said:

"As we stated in our interim results, we will end the year by initiating another
proprietary drug discovery programme.  Our fourth programme combines our
in-house expertise with zebrafish and medicinal chemistry with the skills and
research breakthroughs of Professor Roger Patient in an exciting area of drug
discovery.  We continue to demonstrate our business model of capturing
world-leading academic science at the juncture of applied drug discovery where
it can no longer continue at University benches.  Since IPO, our base has been
built in terms of facilities, people and infrastructure to seamlessly carry this
out again and again."



For more information please contact:


VASTox plc
Steven Lee, Chief Executive Officer                                01235 443 901
                                                                   07766 913 898
Buchanan Communications
Mark Court / Mary-Jane Johnson                                     020 7466 5000


Notes for Editors:


About VASTox plc

VASTox is a chemical genomics technology company that provides services to the
pharmaceutical industry and discovers and develops proprietary novel drugs. The
company's technology platform aims to use high volume, high content screening
using zebrafish and fruitflies to provide a high level of predictability of the
efficacy and toxicity of potential drug compounds in humans.  This has the
potential to dramatically decrease the time and cost of drug discovery and
development. VASTox was formed in January 2003, from the University of Oxford,
by some of the UK's foremost scientists who have taken a highly creative
approach to the problems involved in drug discovery and who have a proven record
in delivering technological excellence. The company listed on the London Stock
Exchange AIM in October 2004.



About Signalling pathways, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and Osteoarthritis

Signalling pathways are the subject of intense research and commercial activity
in the life sciences industry.  These pathways refer to a sequence of biological
processes that are essential for the healthy development of embryos.  Once the
embryo has developed the pathways become more specialised, in the case of the
BMPs, the pathway becomes vital for the healthy regulation of bone and
cartilage.


The signalling pathway that involves BMPs are well conserved between zebrafish
and humans and are essential in the development of the heart, central nervous
system, bones and cartilage.


Other well-researched pathways include 'wnt' and 'hedgehog' signalling pathways,
both of which have been implicated in a wide range of diseases and disorders
from cancers to alopecia.  VASTox believes that its BMP programme will offer
similar potential. There is growing scientific evidence that the BMPs may play
important roles as tumour suppressors as well. Therefore this programme has
additional potential utility in the field of cancer.


Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 5 million
people in the UK alone.  The disease causes the normally smooth cartilage in
joints to become brittle and weak.  Bone beneath then thickens to compensate,
further damaging the cartilage and causing the bones to rub together.  The
condition is very painful and makes movements of the fingers, knees and hips
difficult.  There is no cure for osteoarthritis as cartilage cannot grow back.
Current treatments focus on reducing inflammation and pain.






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