Cortecs International Presented Results From Their CELLCOM Program At The Cooperation Opportunities In Cancer Drug Development Meeting In Hanover, Germany.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1997--Cortecs International ("Cortecs") (NASDAQ:DLVRY/LSE:COR/ASX:CRI) the U.K. based pharmaceutical company, today announced it presented results from their CELLCOM program at the recent Cooperation Opportunities in Cancer Drug Development meeting in Hanover, Germany.

Cortecs' basic drug delivery research has led to the discovery of a group of novel, natural molecules that have anti-cancer activity (CELLCOM). In work carried out with the CRC Centre for Cancer Therapeutics at the Institute for Cancer Research at The Royal Marsdan Hospital, Cortecs has shown that these novel molecules display anti-tumor activity against several human cancers in vitro, including ovarian, lung, colon, breast and melanoma cell lines. In vivo results with the lead compound demonstrate inhibition of human ovarian tumor growth in a laboratory model without clinically observed toxic effects.

Cortecs' strategy for preventing tumor growth is the use of specific molecules to block signaling pathways within tumor cells. Oncogenic ras genes promote cancer and tumor formation by disrupting the normal controls on cell proliferation and differentiation. Approximately 30% of human tumors contain mutant ras genes. The new molecules block the activity of an enzyme called mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase which is activated by the oncogene ras. The tumor cells unrelenting impetus to grow is thereby controlled.

Several international patents have been filed on the CELLCOM technology.

Dr. Michael Flynn, President of Cortecs, commented: "This program was initiated last year as a result of observations made during investigation of one of our drug delivery products and these may be a new class of anti-cancer compounds. It is still an early stage program which could enter human trials in 1998. Additional pre-clinical and clinical studies will need to be undertaken to determine if the compound can be used efficiently to treat cancer in humans".

Professor Gordon McVie, Director-General of the Cancer Research Campaign, added: "We are pleased to be associated with Cortecs International and this work. This is state-of-the art research, targeting cells at sub-microscopic level. It is a completely new avenue of therapy and shows great promise."

Cortecs is a British based company quoted on the London Stock Exchange, the Australian Stock Exchange and on Nasdaq. The Company specializes in the development of new oral pharmaceutical delivery systems, new oral mucosal immunostimulants and point-of-care rapid diagnostics which provide the opportunity to advance the management of serious diseases including:

OSTEOPOROSIS Macritonin(TM) - An oral calcitonin therapy for the prevention of bone breakdown. In Phase II/III analysis.

Osteosal - A rapid doctors' office test to detect increased bone breakdown indicating the risk of the disease osteoporosis and also to monitor the adequacy of therapy.

DIABETES Glycosal - Three rapid doctors' office tests in development to assist in the management and identification of diabetes.

Oral Insulin - Preparing for Phase II trials.

Neurulin - A topical product to treat diabetic neuropathy. In Phase II trials.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, CYSTIC FIBROSIS & BRONCHIECTASIS Pseudostat(TM) - An oral therapeutic immunostimulant to treat and prevent lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In Phase II trials.

INFLUENZA Flustat(TM) - An oral therapeutic vaccine against influenza. In Phase I trials.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI Helisal(TM) A rapid doctors' office whole blood test for the detection of H. pylori. In the market.

A 'one-step' whole blood test for the detection of H. pylori. Launched.

A rapid saliva test. In development.

Cortecs also markets a range of ethical and OTC medicines and diagnostic products in the U.K.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Some or all of the statements in this document that relate to future plans, expectations, events, performances and the like of Cortecs International Limited, are forward-looking statements, as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results or events could differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements due to a variety of factors, including those set forth in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Press releases and other Cortecs International information are available on the Cortecs International web site: http://www.cortecs.com.

CONTACT: Dr. Michael Flynn, President,

Cortecs International

011-44-181-568-7071

or

Zena Bates/Lisa Baderoon

Buchanan Communications

011-44-171-489-1441

or

John P. Kehoe/Van Negris

Kehoe, White, Savage & Company, Inc.

[phone]

or

Dr. Geoffrey Brandon

Brandon Harris

011-44-171-407-6854