Under the contract announced today, OctoPlus will develop a controlled release version of a product currently in clinical development using its proprietary drug delivery technology PolyActive. The client will reimburse OctoPlus for its activities under the agreement. Further financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

Simon Sturge, CEO of OctoPlus, says: “I am delighted to see the continued adoption of our PolyActive technology. We continue to explore opportunities where OctoPlus’ unique skills in microsphere development and production can be best exploited”.

About OctoPlus OctoPlus is a drug delivery company committed to the creation of improved pharmaceutical products that are based on OctoPlus’ proprietary drug delivery technologies and have fewer side effects, improved patient convenience and a better efficacy/safety balance than existing therapies. OctoPlus focuses on the development of long-acting, controlled release versions of known protein therapeutics, other drugs, and vaccines on behalf of its clients.

The clinically most advanced product incorporating our technology is Biolex Therapeutics’ lead product Locteron@, a controlled release formulation of interferon alpha for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. OctoPlus licensed Locteron exclusively to Biolex in October 2008. Locteron is being manufactured for Biolex by OctoPlus and is currently in Phase IIb clinical studies.

In addition, OctoPlus is a leading European provider of advanced drug formulation and clinical scale manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a focus on difficult-to-formulate active pharmaceutical ingredients.