Phytopharm PLC Announces Appointment of Research and Development Director

GODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (15 January 2010) – Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM) (“Phytopharm” or “the Company”) today announces the appointment of Mr Roger Hickling as the new Research and Development Director and as a Board Director with immediate effect.

Mr Hickling has a BSc in Chemistry from Kings College, University of London and over 30 years experience in pharmaceutical R & D. This includes management of development portfolios and projects from preclinical through to Phase IV covering a range of disease areas.

In addition, Mr Hickling has extensive experience in international regulatory affairs, including clinical trials and marketing applications.

Between 1976 and 1998 Mr Hickling worked at SmithKline Beecham where he oversaw both in-house and partnered early stage neuroscience development projects.

Mr Hickling held a variety of positions at several pharmaceutical companies between 1998 and 2009 including Alizyme Therapeutics plc. He was appointed to the Board of Alizyme as R & D Director in 2006 with responsibility for R & D strategy development, all R & D operations and staff.

There are no further disclosures to be made under paragraphs 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules and 3.1.2R of the Disclosure Rules in respect of Mr Hickling.

Keith Thomson, the Interim COO, will be working closely with Mr Hickling during the coming weeks before stepping down later in Q1, 2010.

As indicated in the successful Phytopharm Placing and Open Offer prospectus in December 2009, the intention is to secure the services of a new CEO to strengthen the Board further. The search for a new CEO is now also underway and is progressing as planned. Further announcements will be made when the selection process is completed.

Alistair Taylor, Chairman commented: “We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Phytopharm Board. His knowledge and experience of product development and regulatory aspects in particular will prove a valuable resource to the Phytopharm Board. Roger’s appointment strengthens our ability to drive our research and development programmes forward following our successful fundraising in December 2009”.

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