EXHIBIT 25


                             DATED 25 SEPTEMBER 2002

                            OXFORD GLYCOSCIENCES PLC

                                     - AND -

                                  DENIS MULHALL

                                   ----------

                                SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                   ----------


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THIS AGREEMENT is made on the 25th day of September 2002

B E T W E E N:

Oxford GlycoSciences PLC, a company registered in England, whose registered
office is at The Forum, 86 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RY ("the Company");

and

Denis Mulhall, of Fitzgeorge House, Fitzgeorge Avenue, New Malden, Surrey KT3
4SH ("the Executive").

IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1     Appointment

The Company shall employ the Executive and the Executive shall serve the Company
as Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer on and subject to the terms and
conditions specified herein ("the Employment").

2     Commencement of Employment

2.1   The Employment commenced on 26 September 2002 ("Commencement Date") and,
      subject to Clause 18 below, shall continue thereafter until terminated by
      not less than 12 months' prior written notice given by the Executive to
      the Company, or 12 months' prior written notice given by the Company to
      the Executive.

2.2   The Executive's period of continuous employment began on 26 September
      2002. No previous employment with any other employer shall be treated as
      continuous with the Employment.

3     Duties

3.1   The Executive shall be employed in the post of Finance Director and Chief
      Financial Officer in which capacity he shall devote all his time,
      attention and skill to his duties hereunder and shall faithfully and
      diligently perform such duties and exercise such powers consistent
      therewith as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the
      Board or the Company.

3.2   The Executive shall obey the reasonable and lawful orders of the Board, as
      consistent with this Agreement, given by or with the authority of the
      Board, and shall comply with all the Company's rules, regulations,
      policies and procedures from time to time in force.

3.3   The Executive may be required in pursuance of his duties to perform
      services not only for the Company but also for any Associated Company and,
      without further remuneration (except as otherwise agreed), to accept any
      such office or position in any Associated Company which is consistent with
      his position with the Company, as the Board or the Company may from time
      to time reasonably require. The Company may at its sole discretion assign
      the Executive's employment to any Associated Company on the same terms and
      conditions as set out herein.

3.4   The Executive's normal working hours shall be 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to
      Friday, and such additional hours (without further remuneration) as are
      necessary for the proper performance of his duties of employment.


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4     Exclusivity of Service

4.1   During the Employment the Executive shall not (without the prior written
      consent of the Board) directly or indirectly either on his own account or
      on behalf of any other person, company, business entity or other
      organisation engage in or be concerned with (whether as an employee,
      officer, director, agent, partner, consultant or otherwise) any other
      business PROVIDED THAT the Executive may hold up to 5% of any securities
      in a company which is quoted on any recognised Stock Exchange. It is
      agreed that the Executive shall be entitled to continue to maintain his
      current Directorship on the Board of RingProp plc provided that the
      Executive will periodically (but in any event at least annually) review
      such Directorship with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman to
      determine whether (a) any conflict of interest has arisen or is likely to
      arise or (b) time committed to such Directorship becomes an issue in
      relation to the Executive carrying out his duties and obligations pursuant
      to this Agreement. If the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman
      reasonably determine that either of such conditions exist, the Executive
      agrees to step down from the relevant Directorship(s). The Executive may
      only accept other Directorships with the prior consent of the Chairman.

4.2   Subject to any written regulations issued by the Company which are
      applicable to him, the Executive or his Immediate Relatives shall not be
      entitled to receive or obtain directly or indirectly any discount, rebate,
      commission or other benefit in respect of any business transacted (whether
      or not by him) by or on behalf of the Company or any Associated Company
      and if he, his Immediate Relatives or any company or business entity in
      which he is interested, shall directly or indirectly obtain any such
      discount, rebate, commission or other benefit he shall forthwith account
      to the Company or Associated Company for the amount received or value of
      the benefit so obtained.

4.3   The Executive confirms that he has disclosed fully to the Company all
      circumstances in respect of which he is aware there is, or there might be,
      a conflict of interest between the Company or any Associated Company, and
      the Executive or his Immediate Relatives, and he agrees to disclose fully
      to the Company any such circumstances which may arise during the
      Employment of which he becomes aware.

5     Remuneration

5.1   The Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary of (pound)220,000 per
      annum, payable monthly in arrears by equal instalments. The Board will
      review the Executive's salary annually in January and the first such
      review will take place in January 2003. The Board will review the
      Executive's salary for the purpose of increasing salary or nil increase,
      but shall not decrease it.

5.2   The Executive shall also be eligible to receive further remuneration by
      way of a bonus calculated in accordance with the rules of the bonus scheme
      from time to time in force. The Company reserves the right to substitute
      for the bonus scheme an alternative scheme. Payment of a bonus in any year
      shall not entitle the Executive to a bonus or to a particular amount by
      way of bonus in future years.

      The bonus payable to the Executive under this Clause 5.2 shall be
      calculated according to the following formula:

      (A x B) x C


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      Where:

      A equals 35% of the Executive's basic salary.

      B equals a percentage that shall be calculated by reference to the overall
      company situation as determined by the Board in its absolute discretion,

      C equals a percentage that shall be known as the bonus multiplier, the
      amount of which shall be notified to the Executive following his annual
      performance reviews. The amount of the bonus multiplier shall be
      determined by the Company in its absolute discretion and shall be based on
      the Company's judgement of the Executive's performance in achieving
      performance objectives applicable to him. Details of the performance
      objectives shall be notified to the Executive separately.

      If the Executive's Employment is terminated, any bonus payment due for the
      year of termination will be pro-rated in accordance with his length of
      service in the year of termination.

5.3   For the year ended 31 December 2002, the Executive shall receive a
      guaranteed bonus equal to one half of the bonus stated in Clause 5.2, pro
      rated on the basis of length of full time employment served during such
      period. In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to be considered for
      a further bonus payment for such period in addition to the guaranteed
      bonus at the discretion of the Board.

5.4   The remuneration specified in Clause 5.1 and 5.2 above shall be inclusive
      of any fees to which the Executive may be entitled as a Director of the
      Company or of any Associated Company.

6     Expenses

The Company shall reimburse to the Executive (against receipts or other
satisfactory evidence) all reasonable business expenses properly incurred and
defrayed by him in the course of the Employment, subject to the Company's rules
and policies relating to expenses.

7     Relocation and Relocation Payments

Where relocation payments are incurred to take up employment, the Company shall
reimburse to the Executive (against receipts or other satisfactory evidence)
reasonable relocation expenses in accordance with the provisions of IR134, up to
a maximum amount of (pound)50,000.

8     Deductions

The Company shall be entitled at any time during the Employment, or in any event
on termination, to deduct from the Executive's remuneration hereunder any monies
due from him to the Company including but not limited to any outstanding loans,
advances, excess holiday, and any other monies owed by him to the Company.

9     Car Allowance

9.1   The Company shall pay the Executive a car allowance of (pound)1,100 per
      month, in arrears, less normal deductions for Tax and National Insurance.


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9.2   If the Executive is absent from work on grounds of sickness or other
      medical incapacity, he shall be entitled to receive his car allowance for
      the same period that he is entitled to receive Company Sick Pay as set out
      in Clause 11.3 below.

10    Place of Work

The Executive's place of work shall be Milton Park or any such place in the
United Kingdom as the Company shall from time to time advise him. In the
performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive may be required to travel
both throughout and outside the United Kingdom.

11    Sickness Benefits

11.1  In case of sickness or other incapacity for work, the Executive must
      comply with the Company's rules, from time to time in force, regarding
      sickness notification and doctor's certificates, details of which can be
      obtained from the Human Resources department.

11.2  The Company reserves the right to require the Executive to undergo a
      medical examination by a doctor or consultant nominated by it, in which
      event the Company will bear the cost thereof.

11.3  Provided the Executive has complied with the above rules, he will be
      entitled to receive Company Sick Pay, based on his normal salary for an
      aggregate period of up to 6 months in any 12 month period.

11.4  When calculating the Executive's normal salary, deductions will be made
      for any State sickness or other benefits due to the Executive, as well as
      normal deductions for Tax and National Insurance.

11.5  The Executive will be paid Statutory Sick Pay ("SSP") when he is eligible
      to receive it under the legislation and regulations from time to time in
      force. Where Company Sick Pay and SSP fall to be paid for the same day(s)
      of absence, the Executive will receive the higher of the two sums. Further
      details about SSP can be obtained from the Human Resources department.

11.6  Whilst absent from work on grounds of sickness or other medical incapacity
      the Executive shall also be entitled to continuation of Private Medical
      Insurance, Employer's Pension Contributions and Life Assurance. Permanent
      Health Insurance ("PHI") cover will be made available under the terms of
      the scheme from time to time in force.

12    Holidays

12.1  Subject to Clause 12.5 below, the Executive shall be entitled to receive
      his normal remuneration for all Bank and Public holidays normally observed
      in England and a further 22 working days' holiday in each holiday year
      (the period from 1 January to 31 December). The Executive may only take
      his holiday at such times as are agreed with the Chief Executive Officer.

12.2  In the holiday years in which the Employment commences or terminates the
      entitlement to holiday shall accrue on a pro rata basis for each month of
      service.

12.3  The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to require the
      Executive to take all or part of any outstanding holiday during any notice
      period or to make payment in lieu thereof.


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12.4  Holiday entitlement for one holiday year can be taken in subsequent
      holiday years, subject to a maximum of 10 days being carried over and
      taken before 31 March in the following year. Failure to take accrued
      holiday does not entitle the Executive to payment in lieu thereof.

12.5  The Executive shall continue to accrue holiday during the first 6 months
      in aggregate of sick leave during any holiday year; but shall not accrue
      holiday in respect of any periods of sick leave thereafter.

13    Other Benefits

13.1  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Oxford GlycoSciences
      (UK) Ltd Company Pension Scheme ("the Scheme") subject to the terms and
      conditions of such Scheme from time to time in force. The Executive will
      receive a contribution of 8.5% of basic salary from the Company, which
      shall be paid into the Scheme. Details of the Scheme can be obtained from
      the Human Resources department. The Company reserves the right to
      substitute another pension scheme for such Scheme. There is a no
      contracting-out certificate in force for the Employment in relation to the
      State Earnings Related Pension Scheme.

13.2  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company's PHI scheme
      and the Executive, his wife and his children shall be eligible to
      participate in the Company's medical insurance scheme, subject to the
      terms and conditions of such schemes from time to time in force. Details
      of the schemes can be obtained from the Human Resources department. The
      Company reserves the right to terminate the schemes or substitute other
      scheme(s) or amend the scale of benefits of the schemes or any substitute
      scheme(s) including the level of benefits provided that the amended
      benefits are materially no less advantageous.

13.3  The Company operates two share option schemes (the Oxford GlycoSciences
      Executive Share Option Scheme and the Oxford GlycoSciences ShareSave
      Scheme). The invitation to apply for options over shares in the Company
      and the subsequent grant of options is solely at the discretion of the
      Board. It is agreed that the Executive will be eligible for annual
      consideration for additional share option grants at the sole discretion of
      the Board.

13.4  The Executive will be granted rights over 500,000 share options under the
      Oxford GlycoSciences Executive Share Option Scheme, full details of which
      will be provided to the Executive upon the commencement of Employment,
      subject to the following provisions:

      13.4.1 the grant of such options is subject to the approval of the Board
             of the Company;

      13.4.2 the option price will be calculated as the middle market closing
             price on (i) the date of commencement of the Employment or (ii) the
             date that the press release announcing the appointment of the
             Executive is made, whichever is the later;

      13.4.3 the grant of such options shall be conditional upon the Executive
             signing an agreement confirming that he will be responsible for any
             employer's National Insurance Contributions that may arise upon the
             exercise of any such options; and

      13.4.4 the options to be granted will be as to 175,000 Tier 1 options
             (being 3-year cliff vesting options with no performance criteria);
             175,000 Tier 2 options (being 5-year cliff vesting options with
             performance criteria) and as to 150,000 New Category options (being
             3-year options with no performance criteria that vest as to one
             third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the
             grant date).


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14    Reasonableness of Restrictions

The Executive recognises that, whilst performing his duties for the Company, he
will have access to and come into contact with trade secrets and confidential
information belonging to the Company or to Associated Companies and will obtain
personal knowledge of and influence over its or their customers and/or
employees. The Executive therefore agrees that the restrictions contained or
referred to in Clauses 15 and 17 are reasonable and necessary to protect the
legitimate business interests of the Company and its Associated Companies both
during and after the termination of his employment.

15    Confidentiality

15.1  The Executive shall neither during the Employment (except in the proper
      performance of his duties) nor at any time (without limit) after the
      termination thereof, directly or indirectly

      15.1.1 use for his own purposes or those of any other person, company,
             business entity or other organisation whatsoever; or

      15.1.2 disclose to any person, company, business entity or other
             organisation whatsoever;

      any trade secrets or confidential information relating or belonging to the
      Company or its Associated Companies including but not limited to any such
      information relating to its customers, customer lists or requirements,
      price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information,
      business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and
      computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs,
      formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities, any
      document marked `Confidential', or any information which has been given to
      the Company or Associated Company in confidence by customers, suppliers or
      other persons provided always that the provisions of this Clause shall not
      apply to information that is already in, or subsequently enters, the
      public domain through no fault of the Executive.

16    Copyright, Inventions and Patents

16.1  All records, documents, papers (including copies and summaries thereof)
      and other copyright protected works made or acquired by the Executive in
      the course of the Employment shall, together with all the worldwide
      copyright and design rights in all such works, be and at all times remain
      the absolute property of the Company.

16.2  The Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives all rights
      granted by Chapter IV of Part I of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
      1988 that vest in him (whether before, on or after the date hereof) in
      connection with his authorship of any copyright works in the course of his
      employment with the Company, wherever in the world enforceable, including
      without limitation the right to be identified as the author of any such
      works and the right not to have any such works subjected to derogatory
      treatment.

16.3  The Company and the Executive acknowledge and accept the provisions of
      Sections 39 to 42 of the Patents Act 1977 ("the Act") relating to the
      ownership of employees' inventions and the compensation of employees for
      certain inventions respectively.

16.4  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that by virtue of the nature of his
      duties and the responsibilities arising he has a special obligation to
      further the interests of the Company within the meaning of Section
      39(1)(b) of the Act.


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16.5  Any invention, development, process, plan, design, formula, specification,
      program or other matter or work whatsoever (collectively "the Inventions")
      made, developed or discovered by the Executive, either alone or in
      concert, during the course of the Executive's employment shall forthwith
      be disclosed to the Company and subject to Section 39 of the Act shall
      belong to and be the absolute property of the Company.

16.6  With respect to those rights in the Inventions which do not belong to the
      Company pursuant to Clause 16.5 but which were made (wholly or partly,
      either alone or in concert) using the Company's equipment, or (wholly or
      partly, either alone or in concert) using confidential information or
      trade secrets falling within the provisions of Clause 15 above obtained
      during the course of the Executive's employment, or else are Inventions
      which are or maybe relevant to or related to the Company's existing or
      future business (collectively "Executive Rights"), the Executive at the
      request and cost of the Company (and notwithstanding the termination of
      his employment) shall forthwith license or assign (as determined by the
      Company) to the Company the Executive Rights and shall deliver to the
      Company all documents and other materials relating to the Inventions. The
      Company shall pay to the Executive such compensation for the licence or
      assignment as the Company shall determine in its absolute discretion,
      subject to Section 40 of the Act.

16.7  The Executive shall at the request and cost of the Company (and
      notwithstanding the termination of his employment) sign and execute all
      such documents and do all such acts as the Company may reasonably require:

      16.7.1 to apply for and obtain in the sole name of the Company alone
             (unless the Company otherwise directs) patent, registered design,
             or other protection of any nature whatsoever in respect of the
             Inventions in any country throughout the world and, when so
             obtained or vested, to renew and maintain the same;

      16.7.2 to resist any objection or opposition to obtaining, and any
             petitions or applications for revocation of any such patent,
             registered design or other protection; and

      16.7.3 to bring any proceedings for infringement of any such patent,
             registered design or other protection.

16.8  The Company shall decide, in its sole discretion, whenever to apply for
      patent, registered design or other protection in respect of the Inventions
      and reserves the right to work any of the Inventions as a secret process
      in which event the Executive shall observe the obligations relating to
      confidential information which are contained in Clause 15 of this
      Agreement.

17    Post-Termination Obligations

17.1  The Executive agrees that he will observe the post-termination obligations
      set out in the Schedule hereto.

17.2  The Executive agrees that in the event of receiving from any person,
      company, business entity or other organisation an offer of employment
      either during the continuance of this Agreement or during the continuance
      in force of any of the restrictions set out in the Schedule annexed
      hereto, he will forthwith provide to such person, company, business entity
      or other organisation making such an offer of employment a full and
      accurate copy of this Agreement signed by the parties hereto.


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18    Termination

18.1  Notwithstanding Clause 2 above, the Company may terminate the Employment
      with immediate effect if the Executive shall at any time:

      18.1.1 be guilty of dishonesty, or other gross misconduct, or gross
             incompetence or wilful neglect of duty, or commit any other serious
             breach of this Agreement; or

      18.1.2 act in any manner (whether in the course of his duties or
             otherwise) which is likely to bring him, the Company or any
             Associated Company into disrepute or prejudice the interests of the
             Company or any Associated Company; or

      18.1.3 become bankrupt, apply for or have made against him a receiving
             order under Section 286 Insolvency Act 1986, or have any order made
             against him to reach a voluntary arrangement as defined by Section
             253 of that Act;

      18.1.4 resign as a director of the Company or any Associated Company
             (without the Board's written consent); or

      18.1.5 be or become of unsound mind; or

      18.1.6 for an aggregate period of twelve months or more in any period of
             two consecutive years be incapable of performing his duties
             hereunder by reason of ill health or other incapacity whether
             accidental or otherwise; or

      18.1.7 be found guilty of unsatisfactory conduct or poor performance of
             his duties; or

      18.1.8 be convicted of an indictable offence; or

      18.1.9 directly or indirectly advise or participate or act in concert
             (within the meaning of the City Code on Take-Overs and Mergers)
             with any person who makes or is considering making any offer for
             the issued share capital of the Company, with the exception of a
             recommended Management Buy-out by the Board of Directors; or

      18.1.10 be or become prohibited by law from being a director.

      Any delay by the Company in exercising such right to termination shall not
      constitute a waiver thereof.

18.2  On termination of the Employment, the Executive shall forthwith return to
      the Company in accordance with its instructions all equipment,
      correspondence, records, specifications, software, models, notes, reports
      and other documents and any copies thereof and any other property
      belonging to the Company or its Associated Companies (including but not
      limited to the Company car, keys, credit cards and passes) which are in
      his possession or under his control. The Executive shall, if so required
      by the Company, confirm in writing his compliance with his obligations
      under this Clause 18.2.


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18.3  The Executive agrees that the Company may at its absolute discretion:

      18.3.1 give to the Executive compensation (which for the avoidance of
             doubt shall mean salary, contractual benefits and, except in the
             case of termination for cause, bonus at the target percentage rate)
             in lieu of any notice of termination of employment whether given by
             the Executive or the Company.

      18.3.2 require the Executive not to attend at work and/or not to undertake
             all or any of his duties hereunder during any period of notice
             (whether given by the Executive or the Company) provided always
             that the Company shall continue to pay the Executive's salary and
             contractual benefits; Any time that the Executive is required not
             to attend at work pursuant to this Clause shall be deducted from
             the length of applicability of the post-termination obligations set
             out in the Schedule.

18.4  The Company shall have the right to suspend the Executive on full pay
      pending any investigation into any potential dishonesty, gross misconduct
      or any other circumstances which may give rise to a right to the Company
      to terminate pursuant to Clause 18.1 above. Such suspension shall be no
      longer than is reasonably required in the circumstances.

18.5  The termination of the Employment shall be without prejudice to any right
      the Company may have in respect of any breach by the Executive of any of
      the provisions of this Agreement that may have occurred prior to such
      termination.

18.6  In the event of termination of the Employment hereunder, however arising,
      the Executive agrees that he will not at any time after such termination
      represent himself as still having any connection with the Company or any
      Associated Company save as a former employee for the purpose of
      communicating with prospective employers or complying with any applicable
      statutory requirements.

19    Directorships

19.1  The Executive shall forthwith in writing resign from all directorships,
      trusteeships and other offices he may hold from time to time with the
      Company or any Associated Company without compensation for loss of office
      in the event of:

      19.1.1 the termination of his employment; or

      19.1.2 either the Company or the Executive serving on the other notice of
             termination of the Employment; or

      19.1.3 the Company exercising its rights under Clause 18.3.2 above.

19.2  In the event of the Executive failing to comply with his obligations under
      Clause 19.1 above, he hereby irrevocably authorises the Company to appoint
      some person in his name and on his behalf to sign or execute any documents
      and/or do all things necessary or requisite to give effect to such
      resignations as referred to in Clause 19.1 above.

20    Change of Control/Transaction

20.1  In the event that the Company is the subject of a change of control or a
      Transaction as defined in Clause 20.4 below and as a result of, and within
      six months after, such change of control or Transaction any of the
      following events occur:


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      20.1.1 a material and detrimental change to the Executive's remuneration
             and terms and conditions of employment without his agreement;

      20.1.2 a material and detrimental change by the Company to his status
             without his agreement;

      20.1.3 a material and detrimental change in his benefits without
             appropriate compensation or without his agreement;

      the Executive may give written notice to the Company within thirty days
      after the event occurring of his intention to terminate his employment
      hereunder. The Executive's employment will then terminate three months
      after receipt by the Company of the said notice and on the termination of
      his employment he will be entitled to receive a payment equal to the total
      of:

      (i)    12 months' salary at the rate in payment as at the termination
             date;

      (ii)   the value over 12 months of any benefits provided by the Company to
             the Executive (but excluding any value attributable to
             participation in any share incentive schemes being operated at the
             termination date by the Company);

      (iii)  a pro rata sum in respect of the period of service up to the
             termination date in the year of termination of employment in
             respect of any annual bonus for that year (if any is accrued under
             any bonus scheme which may then be in operation);

      (iv)   in addition to any other bonus payments payable to the Executive,
             an additional bonus payment equal to 12 months' salary at the rate
             in payment as at the termination date;

      (v)    to the extent not covered by sub-paragraph (ii) above, a sum equal
             to 8.5% of his then annual salary at the rate in payment on the
             termination date, which sum relates to the equivalent of the
             Executive's 12 months' future pension entitlement.

20.2  In the event the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company in
      order to facilitate, or by reason of a Transaction, the Executive will
      receive (in addition to the payments to which he is entitled under Clause
      2.1, Clause 5.2 and/or 18.3.1) an additional bonus payment equal to 12
      months' salary at the rate in payment as at the termination date. For the
      avoidance of doubt, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment
      under this Clause 20.2 in the event that the Executive gives notice to
      terminate his employment pursuant to the provisions of Clause 20.1 above.

20.3  For the avoidance of doubt, no entitlements other than those specifically
      mentioned in Clause 20.1 above shall be taken into account in calculating
      the payment and pension benefits which the Executive shall be entitled to
      receive if his employment terminates pursuant to Clause 20.1. Also for the
      avoidance of doubt, the payments to which the Executive shall be entitled
      pursuant to Clause 20.1 shall be in addition to any salary payable to the
      Executive for any period prior to the termination date. In addition, the
      said payment and pension benefits shall be:

      20.3.1 provided to the Executive in full and final settlement of all
             claims he has or may have arising out of the termination of his
             employment;


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      20.3.2 conditional on the Executive entering into such further agreements
             as the Company may require for the purposes of compromising or
             settling any claims under employment protection legislation.

20.4  For the purposes of Clauses 20.1 and 20.2 above:

      20.4.1 a "change of control" shall occur where:

             (a)   there is a transfer of shares to any person, firm or company
                   (other than to an Associate of the Company as defined in the
                   City Code on Takeovers and Mergers) as a result of an offer
                   made to the general body of shareholders of the Company and
                   after such transfer of shares the transferee or any group of
                   persons acting in concert with it (as defined in the City
                   Code on Takeovers and Mergers) has the right to cast on a
                   poll 50% or more of the votes at general meetings of the
                   Company; or

             (b)   substantially all of the business, assets and undertaking of
                   the Company becomes owned by any person, firm or company or
                   any group of them acting in concert, other than an Associated
                   Company;

      20.4.2 a "Transaction" shall occur where there is a transfer of shares or
             ownership of another company or firm (other than to an Associate of
             the Company as defined in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers)
             to the Company and after such transfer of shares the Company or any
             group of persons acting in concert with it (as defined in the City
             Code on Takeovers and Mergers) has control of that other company or
             firm;

      20.4.3 any reference to annual salary or benefits shall be taken to be a
             reference to the Executive's annual salary and benefits prior to
             any material or detrimental change made thereto without his
             agreement.

      PROVIDED ALWAYS that neither a change of control nor a Transaction shall
      occur for the purposes of this Clause by virtue of a listing of the
      Company's shares on a Stock Exchange.

21    Liquidation for Reconstruction or Amalgamation

Subject to Clause 20 above, the Executive shall have no claim against the
Company if the Employment is terminated by reason of the liquidation of the
Company for the purposes of amalgamation or reconstruction provided that he is
offered employment with any concern or undertaking resulting from such
amalgamation or reconstruction on terms and conditions which taken as a whole
are not substantially less favourable than the terms of this Agreement.

22    Grievance and Discipline

If the Executive has any grievance relating to the Employment, he should raise
it with the Board, which will deal with the matter by discussion and majority
decision of those present and voting (but without the Executive being entitled
to vote on that issue).


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23    Severability

The various provisions and sub-provisions of this Agreement and the Schedule
attached hereto are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to
be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such
unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions
or sub-provisions in this Agreement or Schedule.

24    Warranty

The Executive represents and warrants that he is not prevented by any agreement,
arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way
directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits him from fully performing the
duties of the Employment, or any of them, in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.

25    Notices

Any notice to be given hereunder may be delivered (a) in the case of the Company
by first class post addressed to its Registered Office for the time being and
(b) in the case of the Executive, either to him personally or by first class
post to his last known address.

Notices served by post shall be deemed served on the second business day after
the date of posting. For the purposes of this clause, "business day" means a day
on which banks are open for business in the place of both the posting and the
address of the notice.

26    Definitions

In this Agreement the following words and cognate expressions shall have the
meanings set out below:

26.1  "Associated Company" includes any firm, company, corporation or other
      organisation which is: (a) directly or indirectly controlled by the
      Company; (b) directly or indirectly controls the Company; (c) directly or
      indirectly controlled by a third party who also directly or indirectly
      controls the Company; or (d) the successor in title or assign of the
      firms, companies, corporations or other organisations referred to above.

26.2  "The Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

26.3  "Immediate Relatives" shall include wife, common law spouse, children,
      brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, and the
      aforesaid relatives by marriage.

26.4  "Termination Date" shall mean the date upon which the Executive's
      employment with the Company terminates.

26.5  "Control" has the meaning ascribed by Section 416 Taxes Act 1988.

27    Construction

27.1  The provisions of the Schedule hereto and any additional terms endorsed in
      writing by or on behalf of the parties hereto shall be read and construed
      as part of this Agreement and shall be enforceable accordingly.

27.2  The benefit of each agreement and obligation of the Executive under Clause
      15 of this Agreement and the Schedule hereto may be assigned to and
      enforced by all successors and


                                                                              13


      assigns for the time being of the Company and such agreements and
      obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the
      termination of this Agreement.

28    Prior Agreements

This Agreement cancels and is in substitution for all previous letters of
engagement, agreements and arrangements (whether oral or in writing) relating to
the subject-matter hereof between the Company and the Executive all of which
shall be deemed to have been terminated by mutual consent. This Agreement
constitutes the entire terms and conditions of the Executive's employment and no
waiver or modification thereof shall be valid unless in writing, signed by the
parties and only to the extent therein set forth.

29    Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
England. The parties hereto submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English
Courts.

IN WITNESS whereof the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and
year first above written.

SIGNED and delivered as a Deed   )
for and on behalf of             )      JOHN ILETT
OXFORD GLYCOSCIENCES PLC         )      ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: JOHN ILETT
                                        Title: COMPANY SECRETARY

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: DAVID EBSWORTH
                                        Title: CHIEF EXECUTIVE


SIGNED and delivered as a Deed   )
by DENIS MULHALL                 )
in the presence of:              )

Name: K. Pickett

Address: THE FORUM, 86 MILTON PARK, ABINGDON, OXON, OX14 4RY

Signature: K. PICKETT


                                                                              14


                                    SCHEDULE

1     Non-Competition

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not (without the consent in writing of
the Board) for a period of 6 months immediately following the Termination Date
within either the UK or the Prohibited Area and whether on his own account or in
conjunction with or on behalf of any other person, firm, company or other
organisation, and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent, consultant
or in any other capacity in competition with the Company be directly or
indirectly (i) employed or engaged in, or (ii) perform services in respect of,
or (iii) be otherwise concerned with:

1.1   the research into, development, manufacture, supply or marketing of any
      product which is of the same or similar type to any product researched, or
      developed, or manufactured, or supplied, or marketed by the Company during
      the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

1.2   the development or provision of any services (including but not limited to
      technical and product support, or consultancy or customer services) which
      are of the same or similar type to any services provided by the Company
      during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

      PROVIDED ALWAYS that the provisions of this paragraph 1 shall apply only
      in respect of products or services with which the Executive was either
      personally concerned or for which he was responsible whilst employed by
      the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination
      Date.

2     Non-Solicitation of Customers

2.1   The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not for a period of 12 months
      immediately following the Termination Date whether on his own behalf or in
      conjunction with or on behalf of any person, company, business entity or
      other organisation and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent,
      consultant or in any other capacity directly or indirectly (i) solicit or,
      (ii) assist in soliciting, or (iii) accept, or (iv) facilitate the
      acceptance of, or (v) deal with, in competition with the Company, the
      custom or business of any Customer or Prospective Customer:

2.2   with whom the Executive has had material contact or dealings on behalf of
      the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination
      Date; or

2.3   for whom the Executive was, in a client management capacity on behalf of
      the Company, directly responsible during the 12 months immediately
      preceding the Termination Date:

      PROVIDED ALWAYS that the provision of this paragraph 2 shall apply only in
      respect of products or services with which the Executive was either
      personally concerned or for which he was responsible whilst employed by
      the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination
      Date.

3     Non-Solicitation of Employees

The Executive hereby agrees that he will not for a period of 12 months
immediately following the Termination Date either on his own account or in
conjunction with or on behalf of any other person, company, business entity, or
other organisation and whether as an employee, principal, agent, consultant or
in any other capacity directly or indirectly:


                                                                              15


3.1   (i) induce, or (ii) solicit, or (iii) entice or (iv) procure, any person
      who is a Company Employee to leave the Company's or any Associated
      Company's employment (as applicable) where that person is a Company
      Employee on the Termination Date;

3.2   be personally involved to a material extent in (i) accepting into
      employment or (ii) otherwise engaging or using the services of, any person
      who is a Company Employee on the Termination Date.

4     Associated Companies

4.1   The provisions of paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 below shall only apply in respect
      of those Associated Companies (i) to whom the Executive gave his services,
      or (ii) for whom he was responsible, or (iii) with whom he was otherwise
      concerned, in the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

4.2   Paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 in this Schedule shall apply as though references
      to the "Associated Company" were substituted for references to the
      "Company". The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this
      Schedule shall, with respect to each Associated Company, constitute a
      separate and distinct covenant and the invalidity or unenforceability of
      any such covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the
      covenants in favour of the Company or any other Associated Company.

4.3   In relation to each Associated Company referred to in paragraphs 4.1 and
      4.2 above, the Company contracts as trustee and agent for the benefit of
      each such Associated Company. The Executive agrees that, if required to do
      so by the Company, he will enter into covenants in the same terms as those
      set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 hereof directly with all or any of
      such Associated Companies, mutatis mutandis. If the Executive fails,
      within 7 days of receiving such a request from the Company, to sign the
      necessary documents to give effect to the foregoing, the Company shall be
      entitled, and is hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorised by the
      Executive, to execute all such documents as are required to give effect to
      the foregoing, on his behalf.

5     Definitions

For the purposes of this Schedule, the following words and cognate expressions
shall have the meanings set out below:

5.1   "Associated Company", "Board", "Company" and "Termination Date" shall have
      the meanings set out in Clause 26 of the Agreement, and shall include
      their successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

5.2   "Company Employee" means any person who was employed by (i) the Company or
      (ii) any Associated Company, for at least 3 months prior to and on the
      Termination Date and

      5.2.1 with whom the Executive had material contact or dealings in
            performing his duties of his employment; or

      5.2.2 who had material contact with customers or suppliers of the Company
            in performing his or her duties of employment with the Company or
            any Associated Company (as applicable); or


                                                                              16


      5.2.3 who was a member of the management team of the Company or any
            Associated Company (as applicable); or

      5.2.4 who was a member of the Company or any Associated Company (as
            applicable).

5.3   "Customer" shall mean any person, firm, company or other organisation
      whatsoever to whom the Company has supplied goods or services.

5.4   "Prohibited Area" means:

      5.4.1 the United Kingdom;

      5.4.2 any other country in the world where, on the Termination Date, the
            Company develops, sells, supplies, manufactures or researches its
            products or services or where the Company is intending within 3
            months following the Termination Date to develop, sell, supply or
            manufacture its products or services and in respect of which the
            Executive has been responsible (whether alone or jointly with
            others), concerned or active on behalf of the Company during any
            part of the twelve months immediately preceding the Termination
            Date.

5.5   "Prospective Customer" shall mean any person, firm, company or other
      organisation with whom the Company has had any negotiations or material
      discussions regarding the possible supply of goods or services by the
      Company.


                                                                              17