RNS Number:3546Q
BioFocus PLC
1 Ocotber 2003

                    BIOFOCUS AND ROCHE SIGN THIRD AGREEMENT

                     BioFocus to provide new generation of
               SoftFocusTM kinase-directed lead finding libraries



Chesterford Research Park, UK, 1 October 2003 - BioFocus plc (AIM: BIO), a world
leader in collaborative drug discovery, today announces it has entered into an
agreement with Roche to design and supply several new compound libraries. These
libraries have been developed to expand BioFocus' successful range of
SoftFocusTM kinase-targeted products for rapid lead identification in drug
discovery.


This new agreement represents BioFocus' third major deal with Roche.  Previously
the company has announced contracts for lead optimisation and custom library
synthesis.  Under the terms of this new contract, BioFocus will supply Roche
with SoftFocusTM kinase compounds and apply its expertise in kinase library
design to develop additional chemistries for Roche's global discovery
programmes.


Kinase targets are an important biological area for therapeutic drug research.
Successful products could become new anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer
treatments.  BioFocus' SoftFocusTM  libraries are directed against a wide range
of therapeutically important kinase targets and are designed and synthesized
in-house utilizing BioFocus' extensive medicinal chemistry capabilities.


Geoff McMillan, BioFocus' Chief Executive, said:  "We are delighted to announce
the extension of our collaboration with Roche.  This agreement further
underscores BioFocus' commitment to become the leading provider of novel
molecules to the global biopharmaceutical industry."


About BioFocus


BioFocus is a leading drug discovery company working in partnership with major
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.  Additionally it is developing a
portfolio of internal drug discovery programmes aimed at providing drug leads
for partnering.  The company was founded in 1997 and is quoted on the
Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.  BioFocus works with
a wide range of global clients and in 2002 provided services and/or products to
22 leading pharmaceutical companies.


For further information


BioFocus                                        +44 (0)1799 533500
Geoff McMillan, Chief Executive

Buchanan Communications                         +44 (0)20 7466 5000
Mark Court / Rebecca Skye Dietrich




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