News

Posted On: 08/21/2006

BioProgress Announces Solid Core Technology

PharmaManufacturing.com.

BioProgress plc ('BioProgress' or the 'Company') (AIM: BPRG; NASDAQ: BPRG), the speciality pharma and healthcare company, 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.