Vantia Therapeutics' Lead Candidate VA106483 Enters Phase IIb Trial for Nocturia

SOUTHAMPTON, England, February 2 - Vantia Therapeutics, an emerging pharmaceutical company
developing novel, small molecule drugs targeting large, underserved medical
markets, today announces it has begun its planned Phase IIb trial of its lead
development compound VA106483 for nocturia. The study is a randomised,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study and is expected to recruit
approximately 120 male patients at 20 centres in the US. The study will
primarily assess number of nocturnal voids per night. Secondary endpoints
include quality of life and sleep duration measures.

Nocturia (defined as waking to urinate at night thereby
significantly disturbing sleep) is a common condition, with prevalence
increasing markedly with age. It is often the presenting symptom in men with
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and affects at least 70% of BPH patients.
There are currently significant limitations in the treatment for nocturia and
it represents a potential market estimated at more than US$1 billion.

In June last year, Vantia Therapeutics announced positive
results from its Phase IIa trial of VA106483. The trial showed that oral
VA106483 produced a predictable antidiuretic effect in elderly subjects, as
determined by increased osmolality and decreased urine output. The study also
showed that VA106483 was generally well tolerated in an elderly patient
population.

VA106483 is a novel small molecule drug candidate that exerts
its effect directly in the kidney by binding to vasopressin (V2) receptors,
which regulate water excretion. It was discovered by scientists at Vantia
Therapeutics from its extensive drug candidate library.

Dr Hilary McElwaine-Johnn, CMO of Vantia Therapeutics, said
"Nocturia is a common condition, the prevalence of which increases markedly
in older people. It is disruptive to sleep and can have a significant impact
on the quality of life of patients. Our research suggests that only a very
small percentage of patients with this symptom receive any kind of treatment.
We are very pleased therefore to be starting this larger clinical study with
VA106483 based on the encouraging results seen in earlier clinical studies."

Notes to Editors:

About Vantia Therapeutics

Vantia Therapeutics is an emerging pharmaceutical company
developing novel, small molecule drugs targeting large, underserved medical
markets. Formed in 2008 as a spin-out of Ferring Research Ltd's small
molecule R&D, it has two clinical phase products, VA106483 for the treatment
of nocturia and VA111913 for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, as well as
preclinical and discovery programmes based on protease inhibition with
potential in the areas of oncology and inflammation. The company's investors
include MVM Life Science Partners, SV Life Sciences and Novo A/S. Vantia
Therapeutics Ltd is situated on Southampton Science Park, UK, where it
occupies 10,000 sq ft of chemistry and biology facilities. For further
information, please go to www.vantia.com.

About nocturia

Nocturia (defined as waking to void at night) is a common
condition, with prevalence increasing markedly with age. It is often the
presenting symptom of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) with at least 70% of
BPH patients complaining of nocturia. Whilst some symptoms of BPH are
successfully addressed by the standard BPH therapies of alpha blockers and
5-alpha reductase inhibitors, nocturia remains inadequately treated. With
estimates putting the number of BPH/nocturia sufferers at 55 million in the
seven largest markets world wide, and only 10% of these believed to be
receiving any kind of treatment, it is a clear area of unmet medical need
estimated to be worth in excess of $500m. The hormone vasopressin is involved
in the regulation of the body's water content and as a vasopressin agonist
VA106483 has been shown to act as an anti-diuretic.

    Contact details:

    Vantia Therapeutics
    Andy Crockett, VP Business Development +44(0)238-076-3456,
    +44(0)787-255-9676 info@vantia.com 

    Citigate Dewe Rogerson
    Chris Gardner, Mark Swallow, Helena Galilee +44(0)207-638-9571
    vantia@citigatedr.co.uk

Contact details: Vantia Therapeutics, Andy Crockett, VP Business Development +44(0)238-076-3456, +44(0)787-255-9676 info at vantia.com; Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Chris Gardner, Mark Swallow, Helena Galilee +44(0)207-638-9571, vantia at citigatedr.co.uk