RNS Number:2591U
BioProgress PLC
15 January 2004


Press Release                                                  15 January 2004



             BioProgress plc ("BioProgress" or the "Company")


                          Share options exercised

                      and management team strengthened


BioProgress plc, a provider of innovative delivery mechanisms for the
pharmaceutical oral dosage markets, announces today that Graham Hind, the Chief
Executive, has exercised options in respect of 100,000 ordinary shares of 1p
each in the Company ("New Shares") at a price of 42 pence per share, Malcolm
Brown, Technical Director, has exercised options in respect of 80,000 New Shares
at a price of 42 pence per share and Barry Muncaster (a significant shareholder
within the meaning of the AIM Rules) has exercised options in respect of 80,000
New Shares at a price of 42 pence per share.  Graham Hind, Malcolm Brown and
Barry Muncaster are not permitted (without the consent of Collins Stewart
Limited) to sell any shares in BioProgress before 23 May 2004.


A further 301,457 New Shares were allotted as a result of the exercise of
options by other BioProgress employees, who took the opportunity to exercise
their options before they expired, at prices ranging from 19 pence to 42 pence.


Application will be made for the New Shares to be admitted to trading on the
Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange plc.
Admission of the New Shares to trading on AIM is expected to become effective on
22 January 2004.


The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Lee, who
joined BioProgress on 12 January 2004 as Director of Engineering (a non plc
Board position).  Stephen has a first class honours degree in Mechanical
Engineering from Manchester University and has more than twenty-five years
senior level engineering experience in companies such as Rockwell PMC Limited,
Protector Technologies and The Denby Pottery Company. In addition to Stephen's
appointment, Elizabeth Edwards, the current Company Secretary and Financial
Controller of BioProgress plc has been appointed as Finance Director of
BioProgress Technology Limited, the main operating subsidiary of BioProgress
plc.


Commenting on the appointments, Graham Hind, Chief Executive of BioProgress plc,
said: "Stephen brings a broad experience of precision engineering and
importantly a track record of hands-on leadership, delivering complex
engineering projects on time and within budget. Stephen's skills and experience
will be important as we work closely with Harro Hoefliger to deliver our
technologies to the customers.  Elizabeth Edwards has made a tremendous
contribution to BioProgress as Financial Controller and in recognition of this
has been appointed Finance Director of BioProgress Technology Limited.


"We will continue to structure and strengthen the management team to ensure we
can effectively manage and fulfil the obligations which result from the major
strategic alliances that we are now entering into with companies like FMC
BioPolymer.  The negotiations with FMC BioPolymer regarding the licensing of the
NROBE(R) technology are progressing well; completion has been delayed by the
Christmas and New Year holidays, but we are optimistic they will be finalised in
the very near future."



                                    - Ends -



For further information:

BioProgress plc

Graham Hind, Chief Executive                        Tel: +44 (0) 1354 655 674
grahamhind@bioprogress.com                                www.bioprogress.com



Media enquiries:
Bankside

Henry Harrison-Topham / Heather Salmond             Tel: +44 (0) 20 7444 4140
henry.ht@bankside.com                                        www.bankside.com



Notes to editors:



BioProgress listed on AIM in May 2003 and is engaged in the research,
development, and design of patented encapsulation systems that use water soluble
and biodegradable films for the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and other
sectors. The Company's patent portfolio comprises over sixty patents within
sixteen patent families and has product development agreements and strategic
alliances with several global companies.  BioProgress aims to provide a cost
effective and animal-free encapsulation process for pharmaceutical drugs in
liquids, tablets and powders, thereby addressing the needs of the entire market
for oral dosage forms while providing novel delivery mechanisms not possible
with traditional processes.



The Company has also developed patented and licensed the world's first flushable
ostomy pouch that offers a newly enhanced quality of life not previously
possible for the end user. Market research shows the global ostomy market to be
worth $1 billion annually.  The Company's business model provides it with
several significant revenue streams including sales of encapsulating machines
and film, plus licence and fees for research development services.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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