4th September 2003

               Vernalis Group plc (Registration Number 3137449)                

      Appointment of Director and Resignation of Non-Executive Directors       

Vernalis Group plc (Vernalis) today announced the appointment of Tony Weir,
Finance Director of British Biotech plc (British Biotech) as a director of
Vernalis and the resignations of George Kennedy, Carol Ferguson, Peter Read and
Marvin Jaffe as non-executive directors of Vernalis each with effect from
Thursday 4th September, 2003.

As announced on 3rd July 2003, as a result of the recommended offer by British
Biotech for Vernalis becoming unconditional on 1st September 2003, George
Kennedy has joined the board of British Biotech as Deputy Chairman and Senior
Independent Director and Carol Ferguson and Dr Peter Read have joined the board
of British Biotech as non-executive directors. Each of these appointments
became effective on 1st September 2003.

Enquiries:

David Dible

De Facto Communications Tel: +44 (0)207 496 3300

                                                            



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