For immediate release
16 August 2006
BioProgress announces enabling technology update
Cambridge, UK, 16 August 2006: BioProgress plc ('BioProgress' or the 'Company')
(AIM: BPRG; NASDAQ: BPRG), the speciality pharma and healthcare company, today
announces that it has developed a novel enteric tablet-coating system, EntWrap™.
In addition, the Company announces that the first TabWrap™ tablet-coating
machine is due to be placed into a cGMP pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing
facility within the UK in Q4 2006 for a series of initial validation tests.
TabWrap™ is a core technology of BioProgress in which solid tablet cores are
coated with a non-gelatin layer of XGEL™ film. This tablet-wrapping technology
competes against the gelatin-coated tablet market. It is anticipated that
stability trials of new TabWrap™ products will commence during H1 2007.
BioProgress is working with a number of leading pharmaceutical companies in
developing products utilising the TabWrap™ technology.
BioProgress also announces the successful completion of initial technical
trials of a new enabling technology, EntWrap™, which is a novel enteric coating
system that makes use of both XGEL™ and TabWrap™ technology. Enteric coatings
enable tablets to pass through the acidic stomach environment and into the
intestines, where active ingredients can be more rapidly absorbed. The market
potential for enteric coated tablets, a key component for a number of
prescription medicines, is significantly greater than the gelatin coating
market.
EntWrap™ will offer a number of significant advantages over current enteric
coating processes. It will enable the coating of tablet cores in a single-step
process without the need for these cores to have direct contact with solvents.
Pharmaceutical products that were previously unable to be processed with an
enteric layer due to interactions with solvents or water or because the tablet
cores were too soft can now have an enteric layer added using BioProgress'
proprietary patented technologies.
Richard Trevillion, CEO of BioProgress, said: "The BioProgress team is working
hard to commercialise our TabWrap technology and the successful trials of our
new EntWrap™ enteric coating system is further confirmation of the potential of
our technology systems. The development of EntWrap™ widens the market
opportunity for BioProgress. With the installation of the first TabWrap™
machine later this year, we anticipate an aggressive development program of
products. We will either market these ourselves or in partnership with other
pharmaceutical companies. These developments are expected to generate revenues
during 2007."
BioProgress is committed to commercialising its enabling technologies. Its
current partner for the NRobe™ enabling technology, FMC (Magenta Oral Dose
Design), is currently working on a significant number of projects with
development partners.
Enquiries:
BioProgress plc +44(0)1223 394250
Richard Trevillion, Chief Executive Officer
Steve Martin, Commercial Development Director
Northbank Communications +44(0)20 3008 7555
Gemma Bradley
Justine Lamond
Sue Charles
About BioProgress
BioProgress plc is an innovative specialty pharmaceutical and healthcare
business based around its platform technologies in polymer and film systems.
Listed on London's AIM in May 2003 and on US NASDAQ in October 2004, the
company has over 80 patents granted or in application within 24 patent families
and has product development agreements and strategic alliances with several
global companies. As a virtually integrated business, BioProgress has acquired
sales and marketing resources within Europe and the US as a launch mechanism
for its own pharmaceutical products. The business continues to develop
innovative delivery mechanisms using its XGEL™ polymer technology, replacing
the need to use animal-derived gelatin in pharmaceutical and healthcare
products. For further information please go to www.bioprogress.com
Forward-Looking Information.
The Ordinary Shares of BioProgress plc are registered under the US Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934. To the extent that this announcement contains
certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this paragraph applies. These
statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to
uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially
from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements in this release include statements addressing future
financial and operating results and the timing and benefits of the
reorganisation. Detailed information about factors pertinent to the business
of the company that could cause actual results to differ is set forth in the
Company"s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is
under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update
or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. This announcement is for information only and does
not constitute an offer or invitation to acquire or dispose of any securities
or investment advice. The distribution of the announcement and/or issue of
securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into
whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves
about and to observe such restrictions.
END
© 2006 PR Newswire
