Research and development update

Graft Polymer (UK) Plc (LON: GPL) (the "Company"), an innovative biotechnology company co-developing therapeutics for mental health disorders, is pleased to announce the selection of Eurofins Discovery ("Eurofins") to carry out initial pharmacology testing for its co-lead aminoindane series. This testing will begin immediately.

This programme is being developed under the collaboration agreement with Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN, OTCQB: AWKNF) ("Awakn"), which was first announced on 18 July 2024. The focus of this joint programme is the development of next-generation medicines targeting trauma-related mental health conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"), a condition affecting approximately 13 million adults in the U.S. and 20 million individuals across the US, UK, and key European markets.

Eurofins Discovery, a leading global provider of drug discovery products and services, will conduct tests on Graft Polymer's co-lead aminoindane series, specifically assessing its potential for serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. This phase marks a significant milestone in the programme, following the successful synthesis of the co-lead series, as announced on 28 August 2024.

Anthony Tennyson CEO of Graft Polymer, commented: "We are pleased with this development, Eurofins is an industry leader in drug discovery research. This marks an important step in our mission to bring new and innovative solutions to those suffering from trauma-related mental health disorders like PTSD. The expertise of Eurofins, combined with our collaborative approach with Awakn, puts us in an excellent position to advance this pre-clinical programme swiftly and effectively."

Professor David Nutt, Senior Scientific Advisor at Graft Polymer, added: "The aminoindane series being developed shows great promise in modulating key neurotransmitter systems involved in mental health conditions like PTSD. By targeting serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline reuptake, this pharmacological testing could unlock new therapeutic pathways for addressing trauma-related disorders. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this crucial pre-clinical stage."

For more information, please visit www.graftpolymer.co.uk.