RNS Number:8832P
Medical Marketing Int'l Group PLC
18 September 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         18 SEPTEMBER 2003


                       MMI ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

                       IN ITS CANCER BUSINESS, ONCOSENSE


 - Ruthenium compounds have potential to be new class of anti-cancer therapy -


Medical Marketing International Group plc (MMI) the Cambridge, UK-based
technology management company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:MMG) has
today released new information on developments within its wholly-owned cancer
therapeutics subsidiary, Oncosense.


The new data show that the Oncosense ruthenium compounds, discovered and
patented by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and exclusively licensed
to Oncosense, have the potential to be a whole new class of cancer therapy. The
ruthenium compounds identified are at least as potent as the market-leading
therapies carboplatin and cisplatin; whilst offering the potential of reduced
toxicity, a novel mechanism of action, non-cross resistance and a different
spectrum of activity compared to platinum compounds.

It was already known that the lead ruthenium compounds inhibit the growth of a
wide range of cancer types; e.g. pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and lung
cancer. The new data shows that different compounds have their own spectrum of
activity, with individual compounds showing differential activity against
individual cell lines including non-small cell lung cancer (which is well known
for being a difficult cancer to treat), breast cancer and melanoma. This broad
specificity supports the data relating to the effectiveness of ruthenium against
the tumour model resistant to the class-leading drug, cisplatin.


Preliminary studies published previously in the British Journal of Cancer,
demonstrate higher maximum tolerated doses can be achieved with ruthenium
compared to cisplatin. Short-term toxicity studies for blood, kidney and liver
damage, which can occur with other cancer drugs, are on going and results will
be reported in due course.


Commenting on today's release, David Best, Chairman of MMI Group said "Although
this is early research data, it clearly shows the ruthenium compounds have the
potential to become a leading class of cancer drug for the future. We had
previously expected to develop and take forward to clinical trials the best
ruthenium compound. This has been greatly enhanced by the encouraging data and
now we have the possibility of having a whole series of future cancer drugs. If
the preliminary data is confirmed, with regulatory approval, we may be able to
'fast-track' the clinical development of some of the compounds, especially in
areas where currently available therapies are limited".





For further information, please contact:

David Best - Executive Chairman
MMI Group                                               Tel: +44 (0)1223 477677
www.mmigroup.co.uk


Lisa Baderoon
Buchanan Communications                                Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000
lisab@buchanan.uk.com



Notes for editors

Cancer has now overtaken heart disease as the biggest cause of premature death
in both the USA and Scotland. The global market for cancer therapeutics is
currently worth #15 billion and is expected to reach #20 billion by 2005.


Oncosense is developing three types of anticancer drugs: compounds based on the
metal ruthenium; proteins extracted from pineapple; and an enzyme that has the
potential to prevent the formation of secondary tumours or metastases.






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