Exhibit 99.1
                                                                    ------------

                                                                    NEWS RELEASE


                                 PRESS RELEASE



                                                           For immediate release


          PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL EXITS APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE BUSINESS

Montreal, Quebec - January 4th, 2000- Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
(NASDAQ: PHXI; TSE: PHX) today announced that it is exiting the commercial
applications software business. This action results in a reduction of about 25
people in the company's Information Technology workforce. A project team of
software specialists will be retained by Phoenix to service commercial clients
and internal systems.

"We are focusing our resources on what we do best. Applications software is not
our expertise. We remain committed to supporting our existing clients, but
Phoenix will no longer be involved in the future development and sale of
scientific software for the pharmaceutical industry," said Ian Lennox, CEO of
Phoenix International.

Phoenix International earlier announced the spin-off of its scientific software
division, Integraware. The intent of the new division was to independently
develop and market new software for the pharmaceutical industry. Market
conditions, Phoenix's need to gain access to the best applications software in
development and a new focus on shareholder value prompted the change in
strategic direction.

About Phoenix International

Phoenix International is one of the world's leading contract research
organizations. The company is a global leader in early stage pharmaceutical
development and has a growing presence in late stage pharmaceutical development.
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Phoenix International employs over 2,000
people in 19 countries around the world. Phoenix International is on the world-
wide web at www.pils.com.

This release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding future results and
events, including statements regarding expected future revenues, earnings and
growth rates and goals and operating plans of management. Phoenix's actual
future results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements contained in this release. Factors that may cause
such a difference include, but are not limited to: the inability of Phoenix to
win new business at the levels required; the cancellation or delay of contracts;
risks associated with the management of growth and the ability to attract and
retain employees; risks of integrating newly acquired businesses; competition;
any claims for patent infringement; unanticipated costs in connection with Year
2000conversion; the ability to obtain future financing; adverse regulatory
developments; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and uncertainty surrounding
the Euro.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MEDIA:
Richard Gareau
Director of Communications
Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
Tel: (514) 333-0033, extension 4638
E-mail: richard.gareau@pils.com

ANALYST CONTACT:
DAVID MOSZKOWSKI, C.A.
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
Tel: (514) 333-0033 Fax: (514) 335-8351
E-mail: david.moszkowski@pils.com