Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc Selects SCYNEXIS to Support CMC Activities for MRX-4, a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drug for Allergic Rhinitis

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - Feb 16, 2012) - Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc has selected SCYNEXIS, Inc. as their chemical development and production partner for the first-in-class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug MRX-4 for treatment of allergic rhinitis. MRX-4 is a first in class inhibitor of sPLA2 that has been demonstrating excellent safety and promising potency in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Morria's technology platform of multi-functional anti-inflammatory drugs (MFAIDs) targeting the sPLA2 family of enzymes presented unique demands in terms of synthesis, isolation and analysis. SCYNEXIS' chemical and analytical development teams worked closely with Morria's in-house team and successfully addressed these issues, enabling production and analysis in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Morria's original synthesis and analysis procedures were dramatically reshaped and improved, increasing volume efficiency, product quality and yield. Efficient and readily transferable analytical methods were also developed.

"We have been consistently impressed with SCYNEXIS' team and facilities," said Dr. Joseph Bondi, vice president of pre-clinical development at Morria Biopharmaceuticals. "The level of expertise, dedication, regulatory compliance and creativity shown has been truly outstanding."

"We are pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking approach to treatment of inflammatory conditions," said Dr. Yves Ribeill, chief executive officer of SCYNEXIS. "Over the years, our teams have demonstrated the ability to solve diverse development problems in order to move important new treatments to patients. This project is another excellent example."

About SCYNEXIS, Inc.
SCYNEXIS delivers integrated, efficient and innovative drug discovery and development solutions to our global health and pharmaceutical partners. Our record of success is exemplified by numerous pre-clinical and clinical candidates delivered to our clients and partners in all major therapeutic indications. SCYNEXIS' contract research and development services include Integrated Pharmaceutical Solutions, Discovery Research and Integrated Parasitology. Founded in 2000, SCYNEXIS is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Please visit www.scynexis.com

About Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc
Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, anti-inflammatory drugs termed multi-functional anti-inflammatory drugs (MFAIDs). Morria is determined to become a pivotal player in the anti-inflammatory drug market by developing and commercializing novel drugs for respiratory, dermatology, pulmonary, gastro-intestinal and ophthalmological inflammatory diseases. Morria's lead drugs are MRX6 in dermatitis and MRX4 in allergic rhinitis and have each completed first-in-patient studies showing excellent safety and promising potency. Further clinical studies are scheduled for 2012. For more information, please visit www.morria.com.