OREANDA-NEWS.  Midatech Pharma (AIM: MTPH, Nasdaq: MTP), the international specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising products in oncology and other therapeutic areas, acknowledges International Rare Disease Day in light of its ongoing work in ultra-rare brain tumours. DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) is an ultra-rare childhood tumour with just 300 recorded cases per year and a current survival rate of zero. Midatech is heavily committed to making treatment a reality for rare disease patients with crucial unmet need and has recently commenced dosing of its MTX110 treatment for DIPG on a named patient basis through leading neuro-surgery and paediatric oncology practitioners in Bristol, a treatment for which compassionate use requests are rapidly emerging. 

Dr. Jim Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Midatech Pharma, commented: "One of the focus areas of our current development strategy is oncology and we are pleased to be able to announce that we have commenced dosing of our MTX110 treatment for DIPG, an ultra-rare childhood tumour, on International Rare Disease Day 2016. We are committed to helping rare disease patients where there is a high unmet need, including those with the ultra-rare condition DIPG. The lack of treatment alternatives for this condition coupled with our recent clinical-use advances means we are optimistic about seeing a fast-tracked product reach the market in the near future for the benefit of these patients."

About Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives. The campaign targets primarily the general public and also seeks to raise awareness amongst policy makers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.  

About Midatech Pharma PLC 

Midatech is an international specialty pharmaceutical company focused on oncology and other therapeutic areas with a commercial platform and four marketed products in the US. Midatech's strategy is to develop products in-house in oncology and with partners in other indications, and to accelerate growth organically and through strategic acquisitions.  The Company's R&D activities are supported by two breakthrough drug delivery technologies. The Group, listed on AIM: MTPH and Nasdaq: MTP, employs c.100 staff in four countries.